Thomas Ellsworth Culp

Culp, Thomas Ellsworth, 81, of Richland. Passed away April 3, 2015 at home. He was born November 26, 1933 in Johnstown. Son of the late Howard A. and Mary F. (Yocum) Culp. Also preceded in death by his wife, Shirley (Burkhart) whom he married on August 23, 1952; brothers Theodore and David; and brother-in-law Richard Cale. Survived by daughter Michelle wife of Joseph Kush, Richland; grandsons Joseph married to Heather (Thomas) and Dr. Jason married to Victoria (Bechtold) Esq. with great grandchildren Xavier and Alexandra, and granddaughter Jessica Kush; son David married to Cindy (Lucas), Lebanon, twin grandchildren Justin and Ashley Culp; daughter Stacey, married to Douglas Gilpatrick, Windber, granddaughters Kali, Nikki and Alyssa Gilpatrick; sister Nancy Cale, Hesston, PA; brother Robert married to Norma (Dietz),  Johnstown and sister-in-law Nancy (Hummon), New Florence. Tom was a former employee of Burkhart Auto Service, Chris Motors Corporation, Sherer Oil Company and retired from McQuaide Trucking. Tom was a stock car drive in the 1950’s. He enjoyed motorcycling well into his 70’s. He was often found with grease covered hands due to his ability to fix virtually anything mechanical. After retirement, Tom enjoyed collecting and restoring Cub Cadet lawn tractors. He completely restored a 1933 Farmall F-20 “Rusty” from the ground up and would exhibit it at farm shows, county fairs and parades. He was a firm believer in the value of hard work and believed that a person should always have a project at hand. To honor Tom, his eldest grandson, Joseph, the Engineering & Technology teacher at Rockwood High School, established the “Thomas Culp Honor Award” to recognize a student who demonstrates integrity, dependability, leadership, quality work ethic, mechanical aptitude and knowledge, and selflessly assist others in need by using their talents.  Tom generously helped anyone who needed a hand, and shared his stories to everyone who would lend an ear. He will be fondly remembered and forever in the hearts of those who loved him. Friends received 2-4 and 6-8 PM Wednesday at Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, where service will be held at 10 AM Thursday. Rev. Scott Custead, officiating. Interment at Richland Cemetery. Family suggests donations to the charity of your choice in memory of Tom. (Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com)