Aug. 16, 1946 – Apr. 30, 2025
OUR DAD
David Leon Culbertson Sr. passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025 in Mt. Shasta, CA at the age of 78.
David was born on August 16, 1946 in Iola, Kansas to William (Bill) & Nancy (Parks). David said his family went on a family trip when he was 3 years old and they were on their way to Sweet Home, Oregon when their car broke down, and that’s how they ended up living in Weed. David went to school from kindergarten through High School in Weed, and graduated from College of the Siskiyous in 1978.
In August 1966 he joined the Army and served in Vietnam until August 1968. He received several medals including a Medal of Honor, Purple Heart and Bronze Star among other medals. He was a proud man, proud of his time in the service, his family and the achievement of owning his own business along with his Bride (as he called his wife).
David married Sherwin Constance Tackett on Dec. 17, 1977; they remained married until Sherwin passed away on May 20, 1979. On Feb. 14, 1980 he married his love, Norma “Cherokee”. Blending their lives, love and families together as one. Always encouraging their children to be the best that they can be and follow their dreams. He worked for the City of Weed and then went into a career of bartending. Between going to school and working he formed many lasting relationships within the community. After raising their family, they successfully restored a burned-out bar on Main Street and opened Papa’s Place. They owned and operated it for 20+ years until it was sold. Papa Dave was an honorable man that many looked up to. He was known for his witty jokes, and the stories he would tell, he loved to keep people laughing. He never met a stranger; he had the gift of gab. You could say he was the life of the party.
He had a love for Harley Davidsons. For years Papa Dave and Cherokee would hit the open road on their Harley. They went on rides to Nevada where they attended Camel and Ostrich Races, and Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota. Dave was the President of the Modified Motorcycle Association in the area, and was instrumental at starting the Siskiyou Motorcycle Association where he was also President.
David is survived by his children: David Culbertson Jr. of Weed, Billy Culbertson (Kristy Posey) of Washington, Danyel Piva (Jim Standley) of Washington, Christy & Bob Forry of Weed, Rick & Pam Robertson of Las Vegas, Lori & Mike Woods of Texas; Cousin Jack & Vicky Culbertson; Lifelong friend and brothers at heart Kenny Shaffer. He also leaves many, many Grandkids, Great Grandkids and GG Grandkids. Many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by 2 wives Sharon Constance and Norma Lea Culbertson, parents William & Nancy Culbertson, brother & sister in law William & Chris Culbertson and Brother Ronnie Culbertson a daughter and son in law Jackie & Marvin Piva.
This will be a two day affair:
Church Services are scheduled for June 1 at 1pm at The Weed Community Church in Weed. Barry Stacy will officiate the ceremony.
On June 2 @ 12pm a procession will ride down to Northern California Veterans Cemetery in Igo, CA, for Military Service w/Honors @ 2:00pm. We will then have a reception in Weed at Culbertson Park (232 N. Weed Blvd) right after the Military Service. All are welcome to attend and celebrate David’s life.
He will be taking his last ride on his Harley Papa’s 90, this procession. You are welcomed and encouraged to ride your Bike in the procession.
sourced: Mt. Shasta Chapel
