Donald Culver

Donald Frank Culver died peacefully under hospice care at Prestige Assisted Living at Mira Loma in Henderson, NV on February 3, 2017 at the age of 84.

Donald is survived by two sons from a previous marriage, Donald Culver Jr of Morgan Hill, CA and Richard Culver of Juneau, AK; two granddaughters, Lynzey Culver and Misha Culver, both of Juneau, AK; niece Katherene Stuard of Clarksville, TN and nephew David Culver also of Clarksville, TN. Preceding Donald in death were his wife of 43 years, Christine (Colabella) Culver; and sole sibling, Norman Culver.

Donald was born on September 23, 1932 in San Bernardino, CA and grew up in nearby Redlands, CA. Immediately after graduating from high school in 1950, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and did tours of duty in Korea and Vietnam, last on the USS Rogers (DD-876.) Donald served 21 years in active duty, achieving the rate of Gunner’s Mate Chief Petty Officer (GMGC.) He then transferred to Fleet Reserve based in San Diego, CA and served an additional eight years before retiring from the Navy in 1979. Donald continued supporting the Navy for almost ten more years as a civilian at the Naval Submarine Base in San Diego as a Supervisor of Quality Assurance for a torpedo program.

Donald then moved to Shelter Valley, a small unincorporated hamlet in the eastern San Diego County desert. There he was employed by the County of San Diego, San Diego Landfill Systems and NACO Resorts Campground Services. Donald was very active in the Shelter Valley community, serving terms as Vice President and President of the Shelter Valley Citizens Corporation. His community service included volunteer firefighter, initiating the Share Program and Commodities Program for the less fortunate and organizing community events and fundraisers. Donald’s leadership and service were rewarded by a Proclamation by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors and a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition by Duncan L. Hunter, both in 2003.

A few years later, Donald and wife Christine moved to Henderson, NV. There he enjoyed retirement by working on his home and spending time with extended step-family. Tragedy struck in 2008 when Donald suffered a stroke which left him totally paralyzed on his right side and wheelchair bound. After his wife Christine passed away in 2012, he took up residence at Prestige Assisted Living at Mira Loma in Henderson, where he spent his last years.

Donald’s cremated remains will be interred at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, NV, in a private service on March 9, 2017.

Contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans (www.dav.org).  Family and friends can sign an online memorial guestbook at www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com