Donald Keith Culley

Donald Keith Culley died suddenly on Friday, August 12, 2011 at the Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center in Show Low, Navajo County, Arizona. He was 86 years old. Don was born on July 24, 1925 to the late Ted and Mazie Lucille (Sillin) Culley. As a teenager, he joined "the few, the proud, the Marines" when he enlisted in The U.S. Marine Corps. He saw many of his friends pay the ultimate sacrifice by defending the freedoms that we, as a nation, enjoy today. Don served in the Pacific Theater and was a true comrade to many. Following WWII, Don moved to Arizona and worked 50 years as a plumbing pipefitter. He was a member of the Pipefitters Union #469. Throughout his long career Don was a dedicated, loyal and dependable employee. In the early 1960s, Don bought his first cabin in Overgaard and enjoyed escaping The Valley heat whenever he could. Following his retirement he, and his wife, made Overgaard their full-time home. He loved living atop the Mogollon Rim and appreciated the solitude he felt living there. Don was a genuinely unique and simple individual. His wife fondly remembers that "all he liked to do was 'Honky-Tonk!" In his younger years, he was also known to be a talented guitar player. Don is survived by: his wife, Mary Lou Culley of Overgaard, Arizona; son, Ron (Susan) Culley of Phoenix, Arizona; 2 step-children: Linda (Randy) Brown of Phoenix, Arizona, Sherry Light of Phoenix, Arizona; 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Don was preceded in death by a young daughter, when she was 6 years old; a son, Steven Culley; 3 step-children: Tammy Light, Randy Light and Steven Light. Don will be laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix, Arizona near his son, Steven. Rest well dear friend and "Semper Fi."