Merle Culpepper passed away on June 27, 2015, after 101 years, 5 months, and 27 days of a life blessed by the faithful God she loved, and adoring family, and a host of friends and acquaintances encountered during her earthly journey.
Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2015, at the New Electra Cemetery in Electra, Texas with Dennis Hoff, Minister of the Southside Church of Christ in Electra, officiating. The family will be receiving friends at the Aulds Funeral Home of Electra from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday evening.
Her grandsons serving as pallbearers will be David Culpepper, Donnie Culpepper, Jr., Kyle Culpepper, Christopher Robinson, David Robinson, Jay Robinson, and Scott Robinson.
Born December 17, 1913, in Indian Gap, Texas, Merle's parents, O.J. Richardson and Lola Shipman Richardson, moved the family to Electra in 1915, where two sisters, Loma Lee ("Sis") and June were subsequently born. Merle graduated from Electra High School in 1932, married Henry Culpepper in 1934, and they were blessed with three children, Gerald Don, Darryl Jon, and Carole Ann over the next 15 years.
A housewife, Merle participated in community affairs via membership in the local book club, PTA activities, and Las Madres; she was a lifetime member of the Southside Church of Christ.
"Granny", as she was affectionately known, lived in Electra for 97 years before moving to Wichita Falls' Royal Estates in 2012. During the decades prior to her move, Merle had experienced the loss of her parents, her husband, Henry, in 1993, and both sisters, June Richardson Youree, and Loma Richardson Burch.
Survivors include Merle's sons and their wives, Don and Patsy of Electra, Darryl and Cecelia, of Garland, Texas, and daughter Carole Ann Robinson of Denton, Texas, along with nine grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.
Merle Culpepper led a life of sweet gentility, a calm montage of life events handled quietly, lovingly, and competently. A demure lady who seldom knew anger (and never, ever profanity!), a thoroughly Christian person, one always tender toward and thoughtful of others, possessing an uncommonly well-mannered and graceful presence, our mother should also be remembered for her homemaking prowess, heavenly desserts, the friendly chuckle when she answered the phone, fine companionship, faithful supporter as the beloved wife of Henry for 59 years, a splendid, dedicated model for her children, and one who exemplified the morals and mores of a higher calling.
Merle's children, who miss her terribly, praise her thusly: "Great job, Mom, well done!" And we have no doubt, her Lord's reward: "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master."
The family thanks the management and employees of Royal Estates, Wichita Home Health Personal Care Services and Hospice of Wichita Falls for their facilities, support, and aid during Merle's final years and times of need.
The family suggests memorials to Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4909 Johnson Road, Wichita Falls, Texas 76309.