Howard Lee Culbertson

Howard Lee Culbertson, age 75 of Truman lost his battle with cancer on Saturday November 10, 2018. He passed into eternity surrounded by his loving family in his home. Visitation will be Tuesday, November 13 from 5-8pm at Zaharia Family Funeral Home in Truman. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 14 at 10 am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Truman with visitation one hour prior to services. He will be laid to rest at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Lewisville. Zaharia Family Funeral Home in Truman is entrusted with arrangements.  Www.ZahariaFamilyFuneral.com

Howard was born on January 16, 1943 to Miley and Laura (Miller) Culbertson. He attended elementary school in Lewisville and graduated from Truman High School with the class of 1961. He attended cosmetology school in Fairmont and worked as a Barber in Albert Lea until being drafted to serve in the Vietnam War from Jan. 7, 1965 through Oct. 14, 1966. Howie had an honorable discharge with 2 O/S Bars, Vietnam Campaign medal with device, National Defense Service Medal, and a Vietnam Service Medal. Howie was a member of the American Legion and served as Bugler for Military Funerals. He then worked at ST industries in St. James and then applied for Barber Training and completed the training in St. Paul in 1969. He barbered in St. James, Lewisville and later owned his own shop in Welcome.

On September 20, 1969 he married Darlene Eickhoff. From that union they were blessed with three children, Matthew, Bradley, and Gayle. They made their home in Lewisville and then settled in their home in Welcome. He Barbered and later began working as Welcome’s rural carrier for the United States Postal Service completing 35 years of service. Upon his wife’s death, Howard raise his three children and ultimately returned to Lewisville.

Howard was well known for his beautiful voice and often sang at local weddings and funerals. He was a member of the Lewisville Barber Quartet. He enjoyed Karaoke and was known for singing, “Easy Loving” and “Always on My Mind”. Through karaoke and “The Keeper of the Stars,” he met his soul mate and wife Cheryl, of 20 years. On November 28, 1998 they were married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Truman. With their marriage, they became a blended family of Howard’s three children and Cheryl’s three sons, Chad, Jason and Clinton Cole. He was proud and blessed to be called “Papa”/”Bapa” Howie by Emma, Eli, Ella, Riley, Hannah and Carter Cole. He and Cheryl enjoyed camping, golfing, fishing, Gospel and country Music, Concerts, and many trips, with one of their favorites being Branson. Howard’s favorite pastimes, included playing baseball (younger years), playing cards with his buddies in Lewisville, casino trips, deer hunting, playing harmonica and singing with the Lang boys, road trips with his 2003 T Bird and his Harley Sportster Cycle for adventure. He thoroughly enjoyed supporting and attending his grandchildren’s events and sports, he also followed the Twins, Vikings and Gophers. His many talents included being an excellent cook, writing poetry and a sharp dry wit (which included several unique sayings known by those who knew “Howie from Maui”), and his “hit the nail on the head” sense of humor.

Howard is survived by his wife Cheryl; his little fur child Lola Lee; three children Matthew (life companion Annette), Bradley (Linda) and Gayle; grandpups, Buddy and Kudo; sister, Lois (John) Teiken; brothers-in-law, Roger Bosshart and Larry Bachman; sister-in-law Evie Voss; several nieces and nephews; mother-in-law, Millie Lang; the Eickhoff and Lang in laws; three step sons and wives, 6 grandchildren and many extended family members.

Howie was proceeded in death by his parents, first wife Darlene, brother Robert (Roma) and Emmett, sisters, Grace Bachman, Eunice Bosshart, mother and father-in-law, Floyd and Cordelia Eickhoff, step-mother-in-law, Lillie Eickhoff, father-in-law and best friend, Sylvester Lang and beloved Snoodle fur child, Sable Ann.

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