Thomas Edward Culbert

1924 - 2023

Thomas Edward Culbert
Manistee, Michigan
June 17, 1924 - April 19, 2023
Thomas Edward Culbert passed away on April 19, 2023, just short of his 99th birthday in Florida.
Tom was born June 17, 1924, in Ecorse, Michigan to the late Edward and Flora Culbert. On December 14, 1946, Tom married Lois Roberts and they were happily married for 72 years.
Upon graduating from high school, Tom served in the U.S. Air Force during WWII from 1943 until 1946.
After serving in the Military, he enrolled and graduated with a BS degree in Education from Eastern Michigan University. He achieved a Master's Degree at the University of Michigan and Wayne State University.
Tom began his career as a teacher/principal at Britton. He also served as principal in Oxford, MI and as the Superintendent of Novi Community Schools. In 1965 he moved to Manistee and became Superintendent for Manistee Area Public Schools. He served for 21 years, from 1965 until 1986.
After retirement, Tom and Lois decided to open the Victorian Yogurt Shoppe in downtown Manistee, serving Colombo frozen yogurt.
Tom was actively involved in the Manistee community. He served on the Board of Trustees for West Shore Community College. He was a member of the Rotary Club, Manistee Elks 250, United Way, and Salvation Army. He was also an active member of the Manistee Golf and Country Club.
Tom and Lois were faithful members of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. He served on the Vestry, and they were members for 58 years.
Tom cherished his Irish Heritage and traveled to Ireland numerous times. While there, he visited his parents' birthplace and reconnected with many of his Irish relatives.
He loved visiting the Upper Peninsula and Mackinac Island. He and Lois, as well as his family would spend their winters at Hutchinson Island, Jensen Beach, Florida.
Tom enjoyed travelling, camping, golfing, gardening, and socializing with his friends. He loved being with his family; he attended many family events involving his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Lois, the love of his life, preceded in death in 2018. Tom is survived by his four children, Jane (Sam) Coram, Janice (Jim) Courtright, George (Sheila) Culbert, and Nancy (Bill) Lohff. He has 9 grandchildren, Lisa, Michael, Katie, Sarah, Jason, Kristen, Lindsey, Jenny, and Bob. Tom has 17 great grandchildren and one on the way.
Tom was a loving, humble, and gentle soul. He believed in service to others and was very generous.
He felt the key to success was a good education. He established a Culbert Scholarship for Manistee High School Graduates. The Manistee County Community Foundation Scholarship is awarded every year and will continue for many years to come.
There will be a visitation at Oak Grove Funeral Home and Cremation Center on Friday, May 19, 2023, from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. Beginning at 7:00 p.m. there will be a Celebration of Life service where Military Honors will be rendered.
On Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., there will be a church service at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 410 Second Street, Manistee.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 410 Second Street, Manistee, MI 49660 or Manistee Elks, 432 River Street, Manistee, MI 49660.
Arrangements by the Oak Grove Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Manistee.
To share a photo or memory with the family, please visit www.oakgrovefh.com.