Joe Ross Culver

January 30, 1939 - May 30, 2016

Joe Ross Culver was born at home on January 30, 1939 on "red hill" in El Reno and died on May 30, 2016. He was a lifelong El Reno resident, graduating from High School in 1957. While in high school, Joe worked at Brinkley's furniture, Conoco and Hensley's Service Stations. He married Mary Margaret Schein on September 3, 1960 at Pocasset Methodist Church. Joe was a member of the Air National Guard. He worked at Aero Commander (North American Rockwell) for 20 years and American National Can Company for 12 years. At the age of 49, he was diagnosed with metastasized kidney cancer and was retired during the treatment on Interleukin 11 and then 10 days of brain radiation, at which time he became cancer free. He enjoyed many busy years with hobbies of woodworking, and traveling with family and friends; trips throughout the USA including Hawaii and Alaska, and abroad to Europe, Canada, and Mexico. Joe also helped Mary read water meters for many years and assisted her in the CCWA Banner water office whenever needed. Joe was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church and a lifetime member of the Canadian County Historical Society. Culver was an avid sports fan, especially OU football and Thunder basketball. He liked country music, hamburgers and sweets, along with family gatherings and all the food. He will be remembered by his witty sense of humor. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie and Juanita (Haywood) Culver; a sister, Loretta Ann Alvarez; and a brother, Carl Haywood Culver. He is survived by his wife, Mary, of 55 years; daughter, Sheri Carpenter and husband Tom of Yukon; son, Trenton Culver and wife Kathy of El Reno; and his greatest highlight, granddaughters, Kali Ann Carpenter and Karla Jo Carpenter of Yukon. He is also survived by brothers, Don Culver and wife Dee of Enid and Steve Culver and wife Rosie of El Reno; along with many special nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. The family will be forever grateful for Sheila Peters and the dedicated staff of Sooner Hospice, especially Irma, Kathy and Nan for the wonderful care and compassion shown to Joe. Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 2, 2016 at 10:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church, El Reno with burial following at Frisco Cemetery, northeast of El Reno. Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 500 S. Country Club Rd., El Reno, OK 73036. Services are under the direction of Wilson Funeral Home.