Leon Culp

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Leon Robinson Culp, 83, of Sikeston died Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007, at his home.

He was born Nov. 5, 1923, in Leachville, Ark., son of William and Mattie Culp. He and Helen Litchford were married May 11, 1968.

Culp was with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety 27 years, having served in every capacity from dispatcher to chief of police. He was a member of River of Life Worship Center and American Legion Post 114.

He was a petty officer in the U.S. Navy, serving in the Pacific during World War II. He was awarded a Purple Heart.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, Larry Culp of Cleburne, Texas, Bill Culp of Sikeston; a daughter, Patty Herrolle of Fair Oaks, Ind.; a stepdaughter, Lorraine Taber of Dexter, Mo.; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, a sister, a stepson, a grandson and two great-great-grandsons.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Ponder Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Greg Forrester officiating. Burial will be in Missouri State Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield with full military honors.

cq Ponder F.H.