Richard L. 'Dickie' Culver, 72

LAUREL - Richard L. "Dickie" Culver, of Laurel, died Sunday, Dec. 16, 2007, in his home after a lengthy illness. He was 72.

He was born in Laurel on Aug. 9, 1935, son of the late Arba and Madelyn (Hastings) Culver.

Dickie, as he was fondly known by family and friends, graduated from Laurel High School with the Class of 1953.

He was a long time member of St. George's United Methodist Church.

Dickie served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves.

He retired in 2000 from farming, but was still raising chickens for Mountaire Farms, which he had done for over 50 years.

For several years he was the proud recipient of the Delmarva Poultry Industry Outstanding Grower Award.

Dickie was an accomplished and talented woodworker who enjoyed making things for those he loved, many times crafting projects without a pattern.

He was an avid collector of toys, model cars and model trains.

In addition to his parents, Dickie was preceded in death by a brother, Bobby Culver.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Dolores Elliott Culver; three sons, Rick Culver and his wife Felicia of Laurel, Randy Culver and his wife Becky of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Ron Culver and his wife Melissa of Dagsboro; seven grandchildren; two brothers, Alan Culver and his wife Joyce of Sorrento, Fla., and Albert Culver and his wife Sheryl of Wilmington; two sisters, Joan Hart and her husband Wayne of Cannon and Bonnie Culver of Seaford; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday in Short Funeral Home, 13 E. Grove St., Delmar, where family and friends may call two hours prior.

The Rev. Barbara Auer will officiate.

Interment will follow the service at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Laurel.

Instead of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the St. George's United Methodist Church, c/o Rick Culver, 28996 Discountland Road, Laurel, DE 19956.