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Judy Maxwell (1971)
Posted on Sam Houston fallen Tigers by Shirley Culpepper Brook ~ It is with great sadness that I along with my siblings Kathy Culpepper Gunderson (1968), and Tom Culpepper (1974) announce the loss of our brother John Ralph Culpepper, class of 1972.
John Ralph Culpepper passed from this earthly life into eternal glory with his Savior, Jesus Christ on Friday, September 2, 2022, in Waco, Texas. He was born in Houston, Texas one of five children on January 20, 1954, to Katherine Karleen Rotan and Willie Caton Culpepper.
John met his wife Barbara through an introduction in 1972 and were married July 7, 1973, maintaining a lasting marriage of 49 years. During this time, they welcomed two children, Matthew and Caitlin. John worked as a structural steel detailer throughout his career all while raising a family and being the first person in his family to receive a bachelor’s degree in 1992 from The University of Texas.
John and family joined his parents in their retirement home of Centerville, Texas in 1996 where they assisted in the operation of the family business, Culpepper Christmas Tree Farm. John was a member of the Chapel of the Hills Church where he was involved with the youth group and their activities.
John was an excellent whistler who enjoyed racquetball, archery, camping, riding his motorcycle, serving the community through his church, spending quality time with his family and bragging to fellow church members and friends about his beloved grandchildren.
Waiting to greet John were his beloved parents, sister Barbara Kirkley, nephew Randall Scott Henderson, niece Kelly Culpepper, great niece Jazzmin Walker and many friends.
 John leaves behind a loving family, his wife Barbara of Centerville, TX; his son, Matthew, and wife Cami of Albuquerque, NM and daughter, Caitlin of Centerville, TX as well as much adored group of grandchildren - Molly and Eli Culpepper of Albuquerque, NM and Laney Culpepper of Centerville, TX. He will also be missed by his caring siblings Kathy Gunderson and husband Rex of Spring, TX, Shirley Brook and husband Gilbert of Florence, TX, and Tom Culpepper and wife Shonah of Houston, TX along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and friends.
The family requests flowers be sent to Chapel of the Hills Church or donations be sent to a charity of your choice in memory of John.
Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Saturday September 17, 2022, at 1 PM, at Chapel of the Hills Assembly of God Church (712 SE Frontage Rd Interstate 45, Centerville, TX 75833). Pastor Gary Stutz officiating. The family has entrusted the cremation care of their loved one to a Cremation of Waco, TX. Honorary Pall Bearers include Gilbert Brook, Rex Gunderson, Curtis Hensley, Brant Henderson, Chad Henderson, Troy Bradshaw, Ryan McCleney and Jared McCleney.
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