David Kulmer

Mr. David R. Kulmer, age 85, of Brooks, returned to his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Mr. Kulmer was born in Shepherdsville, KY on June 24, 1940 to the late Roy Kulmer and Della Showaters Kulmer.

He spent many years working for Ford Motor Company, but his true passion lived under the roar of an engine. He was the founder of Kentucky Clutch, which was more than a business venture, it was an extension of his love for the craft and the pride he took in doing things the right way, with his own two hands. Racing was where he felt most alive. For more than 50 years, he chased speed, competition, and friendship on the track, becoming a local racing legend long, known as “Dirty Dave”, before he was formally inducted into the Kentucky Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2022.

His faith was something he carried quietly but sincerely. The lessons he learned in Sunday school as a boy stayed with him throughout his life, shaping the way he treated others—with honesty, loyalty, and a belief in doing what’s right. He was intelligent, strong-willed, and yes, stubborn in a way that often made those who loved him smile. That stubborn streak made him a protector, the one his family could count on, the one who stood firm when life felt shaky.

He deeply cared for his community, whether it was through racing, business, or everyday kindness, he created connections everywhere he went. But his greatest joy was always his family. He was loved fiercely by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. They will remember his stories, the warmth of his presence, and the steady, unshakeable love that guided everything he did.

In addition to his parents, his great-grandson, Micheal Turner; siblings, Dorothy Coogle and Norman Kulmer; mother-in-law and stepfather-in-law, Nancy and John Eve and his father-in-law and stepmother- in-law, Archie Trent and Sue Trent preceded him in death.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 65 years, Nancy Jane Kulmer; children, Theresa Belcher (Marty) and Karen George (Terry); grandchildren, Kelly Murdoch (Mike), Martin Belcher, Amanda Cooper (Zack) and Scoot George (Nikki) ; great-grandchildren, Kelsey Turner (Brendan), Dakota Waskom (Kasey), Kaitlyn Belcher, Michael Early (Allison) Mary-Kate Cooper, Sutton Cooper, Saylor Cooper and Maverick George; great-great grandchildren, Ryleigh Early, Scarlett Crague and Hattie Crague; siblings, Jimmy Kulmer (Dorothy), Paul Kulmer, Delilah Bradock and Linda Edmonds (Jimmy) and a host of other dear family and friends.

Funeral service will be held at 12:00 pm on Monday, November 24, 2025 in the chapel of Schoppenhorst, Underwood and Brooks Funeral Home (Preston Hwy. at Brooks Rd.) with burial to follow at Brookland Cemetery. Friends and family may pay their respects on Sunday from 10:00 am until 8:00 pm and on Monday from 9:00 am until the time of his service at 12:00 pm at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Boy’s Town (boystown.org).