Phillip Wade Culbertson, 60, passed into the arms of his Savior on February 3rd at the farm in Buckner that he loved. Phil had spent the last 4 1/2 years battling brain cancer. The family will receive friends from 12:30-2pm on Wednesday, February 9th, at First Baptist Church in Oak Grove. A memorial service will follow the visitation at 2pm. Phil will be buried at Buckner Hill Cemetery. Phil and his family have a heart for the pre-born, so in lieu of flowers please consider a contribution in memory of Phil to Resource Health (formally Rachel House) or First Baptist Church Children’s Ministry. Online donations can be made to Resource Health by going to: resourcehealthpartners.org/donate and please put Phil’s name in the comment box.
Phil was born February 24, 1961 in Independence, Missouri, the son of Henry and Lois (Thurmon) Culbertson. He grew up in Buckner, Missouri and attended Buckner Elementary. Phil graduated from Fort Osage High School in 1979. Phil married Susan Starke on February 20, 1982 and they began an amazing journey lasting almost 40 years. Through this union they were blessed with 4 children. Phil received his business degree from CMSU in 1983. He worked for Farmland Industries as a computer programmer for 2 years. He spent the next 33 years working in the insurance industry, most of those years for Assurant in Kansas City. He made many friends throughout the country during those years and always treasured those relationships.
Phil was preceded in death by his father, his daughter, Andrea Lane Culbertson, his grandparents, his in-laws, many aunts and uncles, including Jim and Nadine Boman, who affectionately called him “Jake”.
Phil will be lovingly remembered by his wife, of the home; his mom, Blue Springs, MO; his children, Samantha and Levi Messer, Independence, MO; Doug and Kristi Culbertson, Chilhowee, MO; Jacob and Mara Culbertson, Merriam, KS; 10 grandchildren who will miss their “Papa”: Nora Sue Messer, Eleanor Ann Culbertson, Evelyn Mae Culbertson, Olivia Marie Messer, Henry Robert Culbertson, Conrad Dutch Culbertson, Owen Marshall Culbertson, Boyd Walter Culbertson, Andrea Jo Culbertson and Ruby Grace Messer. He is also survived by his brother, Jerry (Becky) Culbertson; sisters-in-law, Margaret (Mike) Andes and Jackie (Chad Derdich) Mann; aunts, Velma Wright and Laura Vanarsdall; many cousins, nephews and nieces.
Phil was a Christian and wished for all his family and friends to find the peace and joy he had found in his relationship with Jesus Christ. Even after his diagnosis, he would tell anyone who would listen how blessed he was. Phil was faithful and left his family a beautiful legacy. He loved spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed watching and participating in various sports and always loved coaching his kid’s little league teams. He also enjoyed his golf outings and trips and was known for his incessant “trash talk” on the golf course. He would tell you that he wasn’t a very good golfer, he just loved the game! He will be missed by all who knew and loved him!
Obituary submitted by family
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO 816-847-4441