Bryan J. Culp, 65, of Wakarusa, Indiana, died at 2:31 a.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Elkhart General Hospital.
He was born on Feb. 9, 1958, to Joyce and Mable Culp of C.R. 44, Nappanee; they now reside in Florida.
Bryan was a country boy and enjoyed everything about that life. He graduated from NorthWood High School in 1976 and went right to mechanics school in Wyoming. In August 1977, he married Beverly Fisher of Nappanee. Soon after, he founded Culps Garage at Fisher Farm and expanded his career in auto and equipment repair.
Bryan and Beverly found undeniable joy in June 1988 when they brought home Brenda Kay. Little Brenda was the light of his eyes. She went everywhere with him during her short time with us. Bryan and Beverly helped her become a representative to educate about HIV/AIDS in Elkhart County. If you learned about HIV/AIDS during the 1980s, it was because of Beverly's and Bryan's fearless efforts to increase community awareness. Brenda passed in February 1990. Beverly passed in May 2001.
Bryan became owner/operator of Wa-Nee Towing and expanded his wrecker and mechanics business to S.R. 19, Wakarusa. He enjoyed driving and being on the road from place to place, so he sold the towing business and focused on Wa-Nee Transport. He continued managing his business until the time of his death.
During these years he married Lisa Moyer and settled on C.R. 3 in Wakarusa. With their marriage, Bryan's family quickly expanded with Matt, Justin, Allison, Daniel, Emily and Sarah. Bryan's and Lisa's family welcomed another blessing in 2007 when they brought home their son, Bradley.
His heart for the country life and his community continued with his hauling business. He made numerous trips hauling just about anything that fit into a box truck or on a flat bed. There were countless trips to Wisconsin and Minnesota with farm equipment and trusses. He gave back to his alma mater by hauling the NorthWood High School Marching Band to their performances. Bryan volunteered with Nappanee Missionary Church, hauling packed trailers to the inner-city Chicago area and providing transport for their summer camp trips. He also served his community for many years on the Wakarusa Volunteer Fire Department.
He left us on April 29, 2023, for his heavenly home.
Bryan is survived by his parents, Joyce and Mable Culp of Fort Myers, Florida; his wife Lisa, of Wakarusa, Indiana; his children Bradley Culp, Sarah Culp, Matt, Justin, Emily, Daniel and Allison Moyer. He is also survived by his siblings: Bruce Culp of Cicero, Indiana, and Betty Love of North Fort Myers, Florida. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Beverly; his daughter Brenda; and a son Chris Moyer.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 4, at the Nappanee Missionary Church Chapel (Enter Door H) and for one hour prior to a 10 a.m. funeral on Friday, May 5, at the Nappanee Missionary Church Worship Center. Pastor Jason Rohde will officiate and burial will follow at Olive Cemetery, Elkhart, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gideons International, that Bryan served with, or to the family for their support.
Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home - Nappanee.
6 Entries
Phil and Pamm Martin
May 4, 2023
Our heartfelt prayers go out to Brian’s family. May God give you all comfort and grace.
Allana Headley
May 2, 2023
I didn’t know Brian very well, actually I never spoke to him but there’s one thing I’ll never forget. His dedication. Brian was committed just as much as the band was, if not, more. Driving for hours on end dealing with traffic on 4am trips. He was a real hero. It takes a lot for anyone to put up with that. I give you all my prayers and blessings in Jesus name. He was a great man, I can imagine your loss. May God guide you on your path during this time of grief.
Dave & Karen Pierce
May 2, 2023
Bryan was a special friend who would laugh or cry with you. Always ready to help no matter what or where. He’s been a friend for about 40 years and we have to keep reminding ourselves this is a temporary separation. An eternity awaits when there will be no more goodbyes and time will be no more.
Our prayers are with the family.
Mike Pierce
May 2, 2023
Bryan was a wonderful friend to both the Pierce and Myers families for many years. Bryan was my Sunday school teacher when I was in second grade, and took my class to Chicago to visit Pacific Garden Mission. We served some homeless and sat in for a recording of Unshackled.
Both of my parents worked for Bryan in various capacities over the years, and my uncle Dean Myers and Bryan drove semi together and were good friends.
I'm thankful for Bryan's friendship and the impact he had on my life. There's no doubt he is with the Lord.
Joe & Deb Robeck
May 1, 2023
We are so sorry for your loss and well be praying for your family.
Jenna Sanchez (formerly Kurtz)
May 1, 2023
My earliest memories of Bryan were during his marriage to Beverly, my aunt. A better uncle couldn’t have existed for my sisters and I. He laughed, teased endlessly, played, and told stories of his trips and experiences as a fireman. I’ll always be grateful to him for those early family memories.
When Beverly died, I watched my entire family mourn with Bryan. The years passed and he stayed connected to us. we all celebrated when God guided him out of those years of grief to a new marriage with Lisa Moyer- to a wife and family and children who were such a gift from God.
May God keep you all in this difficult time- Bryan was a loyal, Godly, deeply compassionate man- God shaped him deeply by his early trials and he had such great love for those around him. Your loss is great, and I pray God sustains you all with his peace and comfort.
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