Obituary of Byron Kelly Culver “Barney”

Byron “Barney” Kelly Culver was born October 23, 1937 in Wichita, KS to Vashti June Kelly Culver and Virgil Lester Culver. Raised in Caney, KS, Barney was the eldest of five children. Barney passed peacefully with his wife Lynda at his side in his eighty-sixth year on April 28, 2023, at his home in Irving, TX. Father Jacob Dankasa of Holy Family Catholic Church was at Barney’s bedside within the hour of Barney going to the Lord. Barney is survived by and will be deeply mourned by his loving wife of 22 years, Lynda Hazle Culver. Barney paved the way for Lynda to care for him. The wedding vows “in sickness and in health” that they spoke to each other took on challenging and new meaning for the two of them. Barney so lovingly took care of Lynda after her accident which taught her how to take care of him. With unwavering dedication and compassion, Lynda loved him through his illness after his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease in 2005. Barney was truly blessed by the devotion and loving care of his wife who always stayed by his side until his final moments. Barney enlisted in the US Army in Odessa, TX where he served active duty in Fort Carson, CO as a Personnel Specialist for six months and then six years in the Army Reserves. He will be missed by his wife Lynda, his daughter Kathy (Eric) Swift, his siblings Jim (Marilyn) Culver, Tom (Carol) Culver, Judy Culver and Suzanne (Steve) Boggs, his nephews Jeff (Christi) Culver, Casey (Kendra) Culver and numerous nieces and nephews. Barney was a loving husband, son, brother, father and uncle, who dearly loved his grandchildren: Kendal Swift, Conner Swift, and Kellie Swift. His daughter Kelly Kay Culver, his parents Vashti and Virgil Culver and his golden retriever, Nickel, are embracing him as he arrives in heaven. Memories of Barney will be carried on by all who knew him … his family and dear friends Pam Nance, Chris Mahaney, Rosie Blanton, Debbie Bellisari, Cathy Johnson, Eileen Keith, Mike McNulty, Martin Melican, and Jim Estes. Barney never met a stranger. Friends describe Barney as loving, kind, charming, caring, trustworthy, and irreplaceable. He was an inspiration for his faith, his love, and his devotion to Lynda. Barney received his elementary and secondary education in Caney, KS. He studied at Texas A&M University and was a Class of ’65 Mechanical Engineer. Barney was always a faithful member of the Catholic Church. Barney had a passion for Cadillacs, loved classic and antique car shows and rebuilt a 1956 Cadillac, white with red leather interior. Barney loved going to the largest Antique Auto Show and swap meet in the world in Hershey, PA each year and going to the Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, CA. Barney loved bar-b-que, lasagna and chicken Caesar salad. On his first picnic at the Finger Lakes in upstate New York, Barney and Lynda had chicken Caesar salad, white wine, and croissants. They were off to a magical beginning. Barney enjoyed traveling and dancing, piloting small planes in his younger years, reading the Wall Street Journal daily, and walking his golden retriever. Barney was not only a talented golfer, but he had a humble heart that touched the lives of many. Barney enjoyed golf very much and effortlessly hit his shots with grace and precision. Despite his talent on the golf course, Barney never boasted or bragged about his skills. Instead, he remained humble and always had a kind word for those around him. Barney’s genuine demeanor and approachable nature made him a favorite among his peers and competitors alike. Barney’s passion for golf was matched only by his modesty and his willingness to help others. Barney’s example reminds us to always stay grounded and to never forget the importance of kindness and empathy. Barney worked for Cincinnati Gas and Electric, Sargent Lundy Engineers, Austin Building Company, and Challenge Consultants to name a few over his lifetime. He was responsible for managing operations in fossil, nuclear and coal-fired generating units in power plant construction, including Zimmer and Zion Nuclear Power Plants. Barney also did consulting/litigation work at Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station in Oswego County, NY, Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant in East Shoreham, NY and Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant in Glen Rose, TX. Special thanks to Kelly Pope, NP; Bea Pangilinan, RN; Khiem Chu, DO; Matthew Pompeo, MD; Mihaela Perijok, MD; Steven Davis, MD; Beth Haddad, APRN; and the caring staff at Medical City Las Colinas and #7 Irving Fire Department who tirelessly cared for Barney over the years. Memorial service will be held at Merit Memorial Funeral & Cremation Care, 12801 N. Stemmons Fwy, Farmers Branch, TX on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 1:45 pm. Interment will be at Union Cemetery in Columbus, OH at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society in Barney’s name.