David Culp Obituary

David M. Culp

David M. Culp, 83, passed away peacefully Thursday, November 27, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Born July 16, 1942, at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, David lived a life devoted to his family, his ministry, and his community.

David was the son of Maurice S. and Treva (Frailey) Culp, and his stepmother was Mary Louise (Mann) Culp. He is survived by his wife, Karen, whom he married August 20, 1966; his brother, James Culp; and his sister, Nancy (Culp) Damiani. He is also survived by his children, Michael Culp (significant other, Liz Alex Popaduik), and Ann Culp (husband, Bryan Elsaesser); his grandson, Henry Elsaesser; and special grandchildren Niko, Georganne, and Marina Popaduik.

David grew up in Tucker, Georgia, and Shaker Heights, Ohio. He graduated from Shaker Heights High School in 1960 and earned his bachelor's in political science from Kent State University in 1965. A member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, he held several leadership positions. He received his master of Divinity from The Theological School of Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, graduating in 1968.

Ordained in September 1968, David served as a minister in the United Church of Christ (UCC) for 53 years. He spent most of his ministry at St. John's UCC in Tiffin, retiring from that congregation in 2008. He later served as a part-time minister at St. John's UCC in Fostoria, retiring fully in 2021. Earlier in his career, he also served at The Church in Silver Lake in Silver Lake Village, Akron, and Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Toledo.

In addition to his congregational work, David contributed extensively to the wider ministerial community. He served as secretary for association and cabinet meetings and was a member of the Church and Ministry Team for the Northwest Ohio Association of the UCC. He was deeply committed to mentoring emerging clergy and providing support to colleagues both within and beyond the association.

David cherished preaching, pastoral care, and visitations. Known for his warmth, personality, and humor, he brought storytelling into his sermons in ways his parishioners deeply appreciated. His ministry enriched his own life and touched countless others, and his impact will remain with all who knew him.

David also was devoted to serving the Seneca County community. He served on the Opportunity Center Board for 26 years, retiring only due to term limits. He served for many years on the NAMI board, including multiple terms as president, and was active on the Board of Trustees of St. Francis.

In his spare time, David enjoyed gardening and building creative projects for his children. A passionate sports fan, he followed the Cleveland Guardians, Browns, and Cavaliers, and especially loved watching his Kent State Golden Flashes win. He was also a loyal Ohio State fan. Whether working around the house or relaxing, he nearly always had one of his favorite games on in the background.

David will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. His gentle humor, lighthearted teasing, and calm, steady presence brightened every conversation and every room he entered.

A memorial celebration of his life will beg at 10 a.m. Monday, December 22, 2025, at St. John's UCC in Tiffin. Burial will be at a later date at Clay Twp. Cemetery, Genoa. Visitation will take place from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, 236 S. Washington St., Tiffin, Ohio 44883, (419) 447-2424.

Memorial contribu-tions may be made to St. John's UCC, Tiffin, NAMI, or Opportunity Center in David's memory.

Condolences may be sent and guestbook signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.