Gale Culler

God called Lowry Gale Culler of Green Ridge, MO to his heavenly home on July 1, 2019 at 9:34AM with his precious family by his side. He handled his long battle of FTD Dementia with courage and dignity, always radiating a loving, Christ-like, gentle countenance. Gale was born in Sigsbee, MO on November 2, 1939 to Pauline Evans Bevill Culler, who passed away June 5, 1963 and Virgil Culler, who died on April 16, 2005. He was the first of three siblings. His sister, Anita Rose Culler Miles preceded him in death on May 31, 2001, while his brother, Dennis Clemont Culler (wife, Renea) of Shelbyville, MO survives.

On June 6, 1965 Gale married the love of his life, Karen L. Kohn Culler, who survives of the home.

Gale & Karen gave birth to one biological son, Troy Christian Culler, who was killed in an auto accident on his way to Promise Keepers on June 19, 1998, leaving behind his wife, Donna & their two sons, Terence & TJ.

Gale was immersed into Christ in September, 1965 at the Shelbyville Christian Church. During their first five years of marriage, Gale & Karen were charter members of Richwoods Christian Church, Peoria, Illinois where they had the privilege of being involved in the establishment of the first New Testament Christian Church in Peoria.

During the next five years they enjoyed returning to their hometown & serving at the Bethel Christian Church, where Gale enthusiastically served as Deacon, Sunday School Teacher & Youth Group Leader. He loved Southern Gospel music and sang in the Bethel Quartet frequently traveling to area churches for concerts. In his spare time he coached young athletes, teaching them not only sports skills, but Godly life skills, as well.

A graduate of Bethel High School, Gale loved sports and excelled both in school & for many years afterward, especially in baseball. He was a devout St. Louis Cardinal fan. Early on he worked primarily in farming, factory & construction, ultimately providing for his family through his own contracting business.

Ten years into their marriage the Lord called them into the childcare ministry. Gale’s deep love for God & children as well as his great sense of humor, was put to good use in the years that followed. He led by example, in both his Christian commitment & his quality work ethics. He was highly respected by the Board, Staff & young people.

In August, 1975 Gale & Karen served as houseparents at the East Tennessee Christian Home, Elizabethton, TN through October, 1977. They then returned to Missouri where Gale served as Executive Director of the Show-Me Christian Youth Home until his retirement in November, 2009. Throughout the years, they had the privilege of becoming parents to 50 young people in their home personally.

Gale is survived by his children: Donna (Jeff) Hanna; Larry Brockman, Dana (Bob) Wetherell; Kim (Jon) Edwards; Brian (Deanna) Brockman; Troy (Amy) Brockman; Judi (Jacob) Crawford; Amanda (Rick) Inman; Amber (Jason) Davis; Jessica (Jeff) Weber. Furthermore, Gale was blessed by being able to parent many others who spent a portion of their formative years in their home.

Gale is survived by 50 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; 19 neices 17 nephews, as well as numerous grandchildren who call or called Show-Me their home.

In addition to his parents, sister and son, Troy, Gale was preceded in death by Curtis (son), Nattalie (granddaughter); Eddie & Billy Turpin, Eddie Kohn, Jamesey Steele (Nephews); McKenna Lynn Munro (Great Niece); Alva & Cora Schnaufer Culler & Harold & Minnie Case Bevill (grandparents).

A celebration of life service will be held at the Parkview Christian Church, Sedalia on Friday, July 5th at 10:00AM. A short visitation at 9:00AM & video tribute 9:30AM will precede the services.

Following the Sedalia service the Family will journey to Bethel for a Northeast MO service at the Bethel Christian Church, Bethel at 4:00PM. At 3:00pm a video tribute will be shown to all present. Burial will be at the Bethel Zion Cemetery immediately following services.

On July 4th from 1:00PM to 5:00PM a visitation will take place at the Multipurpose building at Show-Me Christian Youth Home, LaMonte, providing an opportunity to express condolences to the family and see the video tribute in its entirety.

Pall Bearers at PCC will be grandsons: Terence & TJ Culler; BJ & Alex Brockman; Bryce Wetherell; Zachary Weber; Jacob Inman; Weston Crawford. Honorary Pall Bearers: Fred Kohn, Bob Wetherell, Moe McCoy, Max Fields, Terry VanNatta, Toby Brown, Chad Puckett, John Detherage, & Leon Cumpton.

Pall Bearers at BCC will be Terence & TJ Culler; Brian & Troy Brockman; Jeff Weber, Jacob Crawford; Rick Inman; Vance Culler. Honorary Pall Bearers: Dennis Culler, Scott Hinshaw, Cliff Hester, Jerry Kaser, Rich Schneblin, JW Franke, Lon West, Chuck Hurley & Jeff Blaine.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Troy C. Culler Memorial Ballfield in care of the Show-Me Christian Youth Home, Parkview Christian Church, or Bethel Christian Church.