Philip Wesley Culler, 72

Philip Wesley Culler, 72 of Wooster, formerly of Garden City, Michigan passed away Monday morning, February 12, 2018 in Wooster Community Hospital.

He was born on July 27, 1945 to Gerald and Donna (nee Mowry) Culler in Willard.

He was a graduate of Ashland High School class of 1963 and the Ohio University in 1968 where he earned his Bachelor of Engineering Degree.

Phil proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam era. He had been stationed in Alaska and liked to say that he “fought the cold war.”

He retired after nearly 40 years from the Ford Motor Company where he was a mechanical engineer.

Phil attended Trinity Lutheran Church in his earlier years and more recently Farmington Hills Church of God when he was in Michigan. Phil loved and owned airplanes, motorcycles, and race cars, and even raced at Mid Ohio Speedway, yet was one of the slowest drivers on the road. Phil also enjoyed bowling, assembling model airplanes, playing recreational volleyball and softball in his younger years, and playing softball for the Huff & Puffers more recently. Most of all, he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He always looked forward to family gatherings at the holidays and prized it over any other activity. He instilled this value in his daughters, who continue to set aside time for family gatherings.

He is survived by two loving daughters, Carrie (Dan) Snyder of Wooster and Christa (Jere) Margene of Knoxville, Tennessee; his father and step-mother, Gerald (Gail) Culler of Lucas; his long-time companion, Suellen Newsom; nine grandchildren, William, Maggie, Molly, Allison, Gretchen, Eli, Robby, Isaac, and Natalie; and one brother, Doug (Jean) Culler.

Phil is preceded in death by his mother, Donna Culler; and one sister, Susan Crystal Culler.

Funeral services will be held, Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in the Trinity Lutheran Church, 508 Center Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805 with Reverend Michael Koch officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery. Friends may call Friday, February 16, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

For those who may not be able to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.

Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.