Delphus Bennett “Ben” Culp

Pana, formerly of Oconee

Delphus Bennett “Ben” Culp, 88, of Pana, formerly of Oconee died Tuesday, November 10, 2009 in Heritage Manor, Pana.

Ben was born in 1921 in Cape Girardeau, MO to Philadelphus Van Culp and Mary E. Lemon Culp.  During his early years, he lived in Shelbyville, IL and attended Shelbyville area schools.  He graduated from high school in Sanger, CA.  Ben served as Chief Petty Officer with the Navy’s South Pacific Fleet based on the New Hebrides Islands during World War II. After the war, he graduated from Sparks Business in Shelbyville, IL.

Ben served as U. S. Postmaster at Oconee Post Office from 1960 until his retirement in 1998.  He was a 50-year member and past master of the Oconee Lodge #392 AF&AM, Arcana Chapter Order of Eastern Star #493, former member of Rhododendron Chapter, Oconee,   Roy Ireland American Legion Post #317, Oconee, Oconee Lions Club, Oconee United Methodist Church and the National Association of Postmasters.  He especially enjoyed coin and stamp collecting, gardening, attending auctions, flea markets and family gatherings

On August 24, 1949 he married Hazel M. Borders Pugsley.  They resided in Oconee, IL until Mrs. Culp’s death on December 17, 2003.

He is survived by his children: Stanley Pugsley and wife Lulu Belle, Pana; Mary Jones, Fillmore; daughter-in-law Jane Pugsley, Altamont; David Culp and wife Nancy, Slippery Rock, PA; and Virginia Culp, Pana and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother James, wife Hazel, daughter Barbara Cornwell, son Danny Pugsley, 3 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Memorials:  Oconee Lions Club for use locally for the visually impaired.

Visitation:  Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at McCracken-Dean Funeral Home.  Services:  Saturday, November 14, 2009 in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. with Masonic service by Oconee Lodge #493 AM&AM funeral service immediately following with Rev Allen Ebbler officiating.  Burial will be in Oconee Mound Cemetery. Military rites by Roy Ireland Post #317 American Legion, Oconee.

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