Robert D. Culbertson

Robert D. “Bob” Culbertson passed away in his home in St. Petersburg, Florida on June 19, 2010 at age 93. He will always be remembered for his kindness, patience, sense of humor, quick wit and his love of life. He was also a true gentleman. Bob was born in Clarion, Pennsylvania July 15, 1916 to Oliver H. and Emma Corbett Culbertson. He was the youngest of three sons and had a younger sister. Bob attended schools in Clarion, Pennsylvania and Shorecrest School in Florida, during the winter months. He earned a degree in Geology from the University of Michigan and then worked for US Steel in Cleveland, Ohio. In July of 1943, Bob wed Forest Cook Culbertson, his wife of 66 years and then enlisted in the Army during WWII. He was a member of Company D/275 - 70th Infantry Division where he trained recruits on weaponry and mortars and went on to earn many medals in marksmanship. Upon discharge, he moved his family back to Pennsylvania, where he owned and operated a coal exploration company, until the surface mines were closed. Bob then moved his family to St. Petersburg, Florida where he worked as a stockbroker for Bache-Halsey Stuart, loving the excitement of the trade and the day-to-day camaraderie in his downtown office. Retirement gave Bob the opportunity to spend time with his three granddaughters, who regarded him as an indispensable guide and reliable provisions-master during forays into Cook Forest, where they had a summer home. The girls also enjoyed every moment of their numerous cross-country car trips, eating elaborate roadside lunches while Bob recounted thrilling tales—usually involving a quietly stated moral. Bob was a member of the Presbyterian Church for many years. He is survived by his wife Forest Cook Culbertson of St. Petersburg, Florida; his sister Mary Wanless, of San Mateo, California; his three children, Robert Culbertson, Jr. and his wife, Peggy, of Denver, Colorado; Edward Culbertson and Susan Culbertson, both of St. Petersburg, Florida; his grandchildren, Kelly Culbertson of Cleveland, Ohio; Katy Culbertson of St. Petersburg, Florida; Robin Culbertson and Robin’s daughter, Diana Cadence Willburn of California. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Ethel Culbertson of Clarion and four nieces and two nephews. Bob was predeceased by his parents and brothers, Bill and Tom. He will be laid to rest in the Cook family cemetery in Cooksburg, Pennsylvania in August. The Robert V. Burns Funeral Home will be in charge of the ceremony, which will be private. The family asks that remembrances be made to The Hospice Foundation of the Florida Suncoast, 5711 Roosevelt Parkway-Clearwater, Florida 33760.

Robert D. Culbertson

July 15, 1916 - June 19, 2010