William Milton (Bill) Culbertson, age 91, resident of Rd., Edinboro, PA, all of his life, passed away at Crawford County Care Center, Saegertown, PA after a short illness. Born in Venango Twp., Crawford County on November 20, 1923, Bill was a son of the late Milton William Culbertson and Irene Peterson Culbertson. He married the former Laura L.”Herky” McGinnett on November 26, 1966 and she preceded Bill in death on February 18, 2014.
Bill graduated from Edinboro High School and from Edinboro College receiving a certified teaching degree in math. He taught in Venango for a year and then completed a 31 year teaching career with the General McLane School District teaching elementary math, retiring in 1984. Well known for his interest and caring for each of his students, Bill could name almost any child he taught even into their adult years. Students affectionately named him “Mr. C”. Concurrent with teaching, Bill worked with his father on the family farm located on Irish Road until 1972. Just as well-known as a teacher was Bill’s love and playing of music. He called his first square dance at the age of 17 and played the upright bass viol, violin, and piano. In earlier years he played with the Missouri Fox Hunters and throughout his life shared his talents at nursing homes and for any organization upon invitation. He last played just a month ago at the nursing facility where he resided.
For many years, Bill was a member of Saint Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Drakes Mills and more recently was a member of the Mill Village United Presbyterian Church. In both churches he sang in the choir. Bill was a past master in the Grange, a member of the IOOF of Edinboro, and a member of the Pioneer Steam and Gas Engine Society. He also was a member of the National Farm Organization and the PSEA. Bill had a very positive and up-lifting spirit and shared stories and jokes with anyone including having a rhyme for any time.
Surviving Bill are four children – Paul Culbertson and his wife, Karen; Michaelann Wofford and her husband, Tony; Mark Almazon and his wife, Sandy; and Edward Almazon all of Edinboro. Also surviving are twelve grandchildren – Dorian Biondo; Chip McKibbens and his companion, Shawna; Brandon McKibbens and his wife, Klynn; Talon Almazon; Brittany Almazon; Calvin Culbertson; Wyatt Culbertson; Kara Culbertson; TJ Phillips; Tashonia Phillips; Donaven O’Dell and Dinate Wofford. Included are three great grandchildren – Devyn Biondo, Dylan Biondo, and Karter Phillips; Also, a sister-in-law: Dorothy Thomas and her husband, Paul of Union City; three brother in-laws: Clyde McGinnett and his wife, Rosie of Mill Village; Melvin McGinnett and his wife, Sandy of Mill Village; and Joe Amoroso of Corry. Also numerous nieces and nephews survive. Preceding William in death in addition to his wife, Herky, was a brother – Earl Culbertson and his wife, Faye and a sister-in-law: Mae Amoroso.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Friday, August 14th, from 2-4 and 7-9 and on Saturday morning from 9 until 11. Funeral services will begging there at 11:00 am with Reverend James Culbertson, nephew, officiating. IOOF services will be Friday evening at 7:00. Interment will be in Venango Cemetery.
Mr. Culbertson was one of my favorite teachers. He always had had a joke or a smile to brighten the day. He will be missed.
We met Bill when my dad was roommate at the home,we fell in love with him instantly,he was a very kind,sweet soul.we will miss him.
Mr C. helped me in middle school when I was struggling with Math. He never lost patience with me. He also came to our home and tutored my brother David after David had been in the hospital for a very long time. Mr C helped him so he could return to school.
So sorry to the family for your loss. Bill was a wonderful neighbor to us growing up. he always made me feel like family and had a story to tell. Many great memories. Prayers to the family.
We will miss you, Bill. You were a charming and delightful gentleman. It is a great loss to our Pioneer group, but we have many happy memories to share.
Bill was a great teacher that will never be forgotten by the residents of this area. He belonged to the Pioneer Gas and Steam Engine Society and he always had a story for everyone after the meeting with a life lesson or humor. Usually that was my favorite part of the meetings. He was a dedicated farmer as well. He will be missed by all who knew him. God Bless Bill.