Clyde G. Culver

Clyde G. Culver, 84, of Cuyahoga Falls, died July 17, 2007 of pneumonia at the Palliative Care Unit of Akron City Hospital.

He was born Oct. 22, 1922 in Warren to the late Marguerite (Goldner) and Clyde A. Culver. He graduated from Warren G. Harding High School and attended Kent State University and the University of Alabama, Birmingham. He was a WW II veteran, having served in the US Army.

While still in his 20s, he began collecting antique firearms, and had a special interest in the Civil War era. His love of early US history shaped his career path as he began to sell and trade antique weapons and period artifacts. He moved to Gettysburg, Pa. in 1960, where he lived for 38 years. In 1962 he built and opened Fort Defiance Museum there, where he also later owned the Blue and Gray Museum and School House Antiques. He was a respected appraiser and dealer who was known in the gun business for his integrity and honesty.

He is survived by former wife of 40 years, Vera Lee Culver of Gettysburg; daughter, Patricia Culver Morton (Jeff) of Kent; sons, Lynn Culver (Kenna) of Bedford, Lee Culver of Miami Springs, Fla. and Ray Culver of Gettysburg; seven grandchildren: John Kostraba, Paul Kostraba, Julie Kostraba Richer, Kyler Culver, Mitchell Culver, Jackson Culver and Wyatt Culver; four great-grandchildren; and sister, Betty Culver Campbell of Kalamazoo, Mich.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service with the Rev. Nicholas Moskovites of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church presiding will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Aug.10 at McFarland & Son Funeral Home in Warren, and a committal service at Oakwood Cemetery in Warren will follow. Friends may call 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his memory may be made to: St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 5734 Mahoning Ave. NW, Warren OH 44483.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bissler & Sons Funeral Home in Kent and McFarland & Son Funeral Home in Warren. Please visit www.mcfarlandfuneral to view this obituary and send condolences.