Gerald Leroy "Jerry" Culberson, Sr. Obituary (1936

Gerald Leroy "Jerry" Culberson, Sr., 87, of Shelbyville, IL, passed away Friday, May 5, 2023 in his home, surrounded by his children. He was born March 15, 1936, in Pana to the late Vesper & Lois (Hitchings) Culberson. Jerry married Martha Scroggins in September 1958. They had 5 children and later divorced. He married Norma L. Stombaugh on August 3, 1991 and she preceded him in death on November 17, 2015. Jerry was a graduate of Pana High School, Class of 1954, then attended Iowa State University and Bradley University for engineering. He had a great love for his country, proudly serving in the U.S. Army. As a 3rd generation bridge builder, he worked for Culberson Engineering, Inc., building bridges throughout Illinois. Then in 1973, he became the co-owner/operator of the business until 1986, working for Calhoun County until his retirement at age 65. Jerry loved God and always found time to read his Bible. In his lifetime, he attended the First Baptist Church of Pana, Shelbyville Christian Church and was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, Pana. Most recently, he was attended Tower Hill Christian Church. Jerry also had served on the Pana School Board for 3 years, was a lifetime member of the NRA, and a member of the Model A Club. Jerry had great love for his family. He loved watching his children, grandchildren & great grandchildren play sports. He enjoyed carpentry & woodworking that led to him building his dream log cabin home on Shelbyville Lake. Jerry was an avid Illinois basketball & St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. He also had an affinity for bridges, flying his 150 Cessna. He enjoyed boating and water skiing, which allowed his kids to grow up boating on Shelbyville Lake. Jerry could often be found reading Snoopy in the Sunday morning comics or listening to Ray Stevens & Paul Harvey. Jerry is survived by his children: Gerald (Tracy) Culberson, Jr., Springtown, TX; Beth (Dan) McLeod, Pana, IL; Molly (Mike) Mosely, Pana, IL; Troy (Jenny) Culberson, Pana, IL; 13 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; sister, Marilyn (Larry) Weaver, Rantoul, IL and stepchildren: Mike (Judy) Stombaugh, Melinda (Stan) Wright & Jody Stombaugh . In addition to his parents & wife, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Marjorie Elizabeth in infancy. Funeral services for Jerry will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Derrick Ritchie & Pastor Josh Hicks officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery, Pana, with military rites by Pana Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until service time in the funeral home. Memorials in Jerry's honor may be made to St. John's Children's Hospital, c/o HSHS St. John's Foundation 800 E. Carpenter St., Springfield, IL 62769 or Tower Hill Christian Church and will be accepted by McCracken-Dean Funeral Home who is assisting the family.