John E. Culin

PLANO, TEXAS – John E. Culin, 82, formerly of Carmel Valley, California, passed away Saturday, October 20, 2007. John was born in Eugene, Oregon, and came to Carmel in 1942, graduating from Carmel High School in 1943. John received a Presidential appointment to West Point Military Academy, graduating in 1947. He returned to Carmel to marry his high school sweetheart, Barbara Bolin. John was a great American, serving his country in the United States Army from 1947 to 1974. His awards and decorations included the National Defense Service Medal with Silver Star, the American Campaign Medal, The World War II Victory Medal, the Army Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp, the Air Medal (second award), the Korean Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Gold Star, the Bronze Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Army Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Legion of Merit with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters. John also graduated from the Advanced Management Program of Harvard University in 1970, and participated in the Salt Talks II in Belgium. He served his country for 28 years, twelve of which were overseas fighting for freedom and the values he held so dear. John had a passion for life, and after retirement from the military he became an active commodity trader with a seat on the Chicago Board of Exchange. He permanently retired in 1987 with his beloved wife Barbara, to a life raising golden retrievers and making small batches of wine grown from grapes cultivated on his family home site in Carmel Valley. His retrievers were more successful than his wine, as many became "master hunters." He spent the next 20 years working his dogs in the field, obedience ring, and judging field tests. John co-founded the Monterey Bay Hunting Retriever Club and the Hills Ferry Hunting Retriever Club. John had a quick mind and wit, a keen sense of humor, and was a man of great integrity, honesty, and compassion. John is preceded in death by his father Frank, mother Ella, and brother Frank. John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Barbara; sister, Virginia; daughters, Nancy and Susan; son, Johnny; and grandchildren, Kelly, Ales, Heather, Michael, Stephen; and Poppy, his last great golden retriever. John will always be remembered as an officer and a gentleman, devoted husband, loving dad, and good friend. Private services were held at Prince of Peace Catholic Community in Plano.