Billy Ray Culbertson

Billy Ray Culbertson, 73, was born May 2, 1937, in Oyer to Boyd and Lois Culbertson. He passed away in Sedalia on Jan. 14, 2011.

Bill attended grade school in Roscoe and moved with his parents to the Grandview area in 1955 where he graduated from Ruskin Heights High School.

In 1955, Bill joined the United States Marine Corps and began a military career that spanned 20 years. Bill trained to become an F-14 jet engine systems mechanic and also became a jet propulsion engine instructor.

Bill was an E-7 Gunnery Sergeant after 20 years of service. He then went into the Naval Fleet Reserves of the Marine Corps in Miramar, San Diego, for another 10 years until he took full retirement.

Bill’s military career took him all over the world. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam during the early 1960’s and earned commendations for his service.

Bill earned an Associate Degree of Arts in two years of college.

In 1958, during a tour of duty in the Philippines, Bill married Maria Teresa Reyes, and they were blessed with two children: Larry and Kathleen.

Bill’s grandchildren’s fondest memory of him was learning to play the game “Spoons,” then learning how to cheat at playing “Spoons.” They still remember their grandfather grabbing all the spoons, throwing them across the room, and watching as they frantically chased after a spoon. You had to be a Culbertson or a Breeden to fully appreciate the homemade game the family called “Spoons.”

A plaque was found in Bill’s home that summed up his philosophy about women.

All a Woman Needs to Know: A woman needs to look like a pretty girl. A woman needs to behave like a lady. A woman needs to think like a man. A woman needs to work like a dog.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Lois and Boyd Culbertson, and his brothers: Ken Culbertson and Larry Culbertson.

Bill is survived by his two children, his son, Larry Culbertson and wife, Lindy - Gresham, OR, and his daughter, Kathleen Culbertson of San Clemente, CA; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Billy Ray’s family and friends gathered at his graveside to pay tribute during military rites at the Pleasant Springs Cemetery located in Oyer on Tuesday, Jan. 18. Arrangements were under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.