Duane Joiner McCullough, 91 years old, was called home on December 24th, 2025. He passed peacefully at home after a courageous and heartbreaking battle with esophageal cancer. Duane was the original GOAT - to his kids, his grandkids, friends, family and pretty much anyone who met him. He lived a blessed and full life with so many tales to tell that we could write a series of books about him. Listening to him reminisce about his life was one of the greatest pleasures for both him and the listener.
Duane was born February 13th, 1934, in San Angelo, Texas to Roland and Gene McCullough. He thrived in high school along with his younger brother Rod, whom he maintained a close relationship with all the days of his life. He married his adored high school sweetheart, Betty Price in 1955 and they were married for 45 cherished years before her passing in 2000. Following high school, he went on to attend his beloved Baylor University where he also excelled academically and athletically. He continued to enthusiastically support "all things" Baylor up until his passing. We all knew not to call him on game day - any game, if Baylor was playing.
Following college, he joined the US Army and served in the 6th Infantry and was of the rank of Staff Sergeant at the time of honorable discharge from the army. After serving his country, he began a long and very successful career in finance starting at Merrill Lynch in New York City, then on to Corpus Christi, where he and Betty raised their 2 kids, Steve and Laura; and eventually landed in Houston, continuing his successful career in banking, investments and finance.
Duane and his wife Betty owned a little piece of Heaven they named "Poco" near Rock Island, Texas. In the beginning it was nothing more than a parcel of land but Duane, along with his son and other family members and friends, transformed it into a real working ranch and his happy place, complete by building a large home, barn, fishing pond and a genuine haven from the worries of the world. He spent many years there raising cattle, "raising cane" and raising kids. Poco was a place for epic 4th of July parties, adventures and escapades. From fishing in the pond, impromptu rodeos and building things, it was a place where everyone was welcome and everyone learned a new skill whether you wanted to or not.
The most cherished accomplishments in Duane's life were his family and the founding of a non-profit outreach program. In 2003, he retired from his long career and embarked on a mission to help people less fortunate. Duane had a vision to help homeless families in need in his community and surrounding areas. His mission was "To organize faith-based groups to help the homeless without large expenditures of public funds." Out of this mission statement, Fort Bend Family Promise was born. With a lot of hard work, dedication and support from a great community, he was able to make his dream a reality and Family Promise has continued to grow and thrive helping at risk families find hope, housing and community support when they need it the most. On the new campus there will be a new building dedicated as "The Duane McCullough Family Center" to honor his years of service and dedication.
After the passing of his beloved wife Betty, Duane fell in love again and married Linda Van Horn. He lovingly referred to her as "his little bride". They had a mutually cherished marriage that lasted 22 years until his passing. They enjoyed a wonderful life together in Sugar Land traveling and sharing time with their friends and family.
Aside from his charitable endeavors, Duane was an avid golfer, sportsman, traveler, storyteller, and sports enthusiast. He was always known as the "cool" dad, uncle, grandfather. He had an easy air about him that made people feel comfortable and inclusive when in his presence and he had a remarkable way of making you feel that everything was going to be alright. He loved music of all kinds from Segar to Boccelli to Willie and held required music "sessions" where we shared music and drank wine and solved the world's problems.
Duane was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Betty Price McCullough, his parents, Gene and Roland McCullough, his brother Rod McCullough and sister-in-law Lee Ann McCullough, great-nephew, Carson McCullough Smith. He is survived by his devoted wife Linda McCullough, who was by his side upon his passing; son Steve McCullough (and Grace), grandson Walker McCullough and great grandson Ryker McCullough, daughter Laura Downman (and Burch), grandson Rawleigh Downman, granddaughter Reagan Downman. Stepdaughter Tracy Reed (and Carl) granddaughters Emma Reed and Elliett Reed, stepdaughter Melissa Becker (and Sean), granddaughter Sophie Becker; niece Robin McCullough Smith (and Doug), nephew Lane McCullough (and April), great-nephew Mason McCullough (and Morgan); as well as many other relatives around the state of Texas.
The family also wants to acknowledge and thank a close family friend, Patty Rivas, for the compassionate care and help she gave to Duane in his last days.
And we would be remiss not to mention his daily companion, his favorite 20-pound pet cat Junior, who would spend many hours with Duane and brought him much happiness and comfort.
There will be a celebration of life at a future date and time. For memorials for Duane, please consider donations to Fort Bend Family Promise, https://fortbendfamilypromise.harnessgiving.org
Online condolences may be left at the Neptune Society: neptunesociety.com
Duane was born February 13th, 1934, in San Angelo, Texas to Roland and Gene McCullough. He thrived in high school along with his younger brother Rod, whom he maintained a close relationship with all the days of his life. He married his adored high school sweetheart, Betty Price in 1955 and they were married for 45 cherished years before her passing in 2000. Following high school, he went on to attend his beloved Baylor University where he also excelled academically and athletically. He continued to enthusiastically support "all things" Baylor up until his passing. We all knew not to call him on game day - any game, if Baylor was playing.
Following college, he joined the US Army and served in the 6th Infantry and was of the rank of Staff Sergeant at the time of honorable discharge from the army. After serving his country, he began a long and very successful career in finance starting at Merrill Lynch in New York City, then on to Corpus Christi, where he and Betty raised their 2 kids, Steve and Laura; and eventually landed in Houston, continuing his successful career in banking, investments and finance.
Duane and his wife Betty owned a little piece of Heaven they named "Poco" near Rock Island, Texas. In the beginning it was nothing more than a parcel of land but Duane, along with his son and other family members and friends, transformed it into a real working ranch and his happy place, complete by building a large home, barn, fishing pond and a genuine haven from the worries of the world. He spent many years there raising cattle, "raising cane" and raising kids. Poco was a place for epic 4th of July parties, adventures and escapades. From fishing in the pond, impromptu rodeos and building things, it was a place where everyone was welcome and everyone learned a new skill whether you wanted to or not.
The most cherished accomplishments in Duane's life were his family and the founding of a non-profit outreach program. In 2003, he retired from his long career and embarked on a mission to help people less fortunate. Duane had a vision to help homeless families in need in his community and surrounding areas. His mission was "To organize faith-based groups to help the homeless without large expenditures of public funds." Out of this mission statement, Fort Bend Family Promise was born. With a lot of hard work, dedication and support from a great community, he was able to make his dream a reality and Family Promise has continued to grow and thrive helping at risk families find hope, housing and community support when they need it the most. On the new campus there will be a new building dedicated as "The Duane McCullough Family Center" to honor his years of service and dedication.
After the passing of his beloved wife Betty, Duane fell in love again and married Linda Van Horn. He lovingly referred to her as "his little bride". They had a mutually cherished marriage that lasted 22 years until his passing. They enjoyed a wonderful life together in Sugar Land traveling and sharing time with their friends and family.
Aside from his charitable endeavors, Duane was an avid golfer, sportsman, traveler, storyteller, and sports enthusiast. He was always known as the "cool" dad, uncle, grandfather. He had an easy air about him that made people feel comfortable and inclusive when in his presence and he had a remarkable way of making you feel that everything was going to be alright. He loved music of all kinds from Segar to Boccelli to Willie and held required music "sessions" where we shared music and drank wine and solved the world's problems.
Duane was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Betty Price McCullough, his parents, Gene and Roland McCullough, his brother Rod McCullough and sister-in-law Lee Ann McCullough, great-nephew, Carson McCullough Smith. He is survived by his devoted wife Linda McCullough, who was by his side upon his passing; son Steve McCullough (and Grace), grandson Walker McCullough and great grandson Ryker McCullough, daughter Laura Downman (and Burch), grandson Rawleigh Downman, granddaughter Reagan Downman. Stepdaughter Tracy Reed (and Carl) granddaughters Emma Reed and Elliett Reed, stepdaughter Melissa Becker (and Sean), granddaughter Sophie Becker; niece Robin McCullough Smith (and Doug), nephew Lane McCullough (and April), great-nephew Mason McCullough (and Morgan); as well as many other relatives around the state of Texas.
The family also wants to acknowledge and thank a close family friend, Patty Rivas, for the compassionate care and help she gave to Duane in his last days.
And we would be remiss not to mention his daily companion, his favorite 20-pound pet cat Junior, who would spend many hours with Duane and brought him much happiness and comfort.
There will be a celebration of life at a future date and time. For memorials for Duane, please consider donations to Fort Bend Family Promise, https://fortbendfamilypromise.harnessgiving.org
Online condolences may be left at the Neptune Society: neptunesociety.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Duane Joiner McCullough, please visit our flower store.
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