Sherman Alfred Culp

Sherman Alfred Culp passed away on September 20, 2023, at age 90 in his Vernal, Utah home after a battle with cancer. He was born on June 1, 1933, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

He was the son of Helen Ensign Culp and Reed Chesley Culp. Sherm's early years were spent continuing the family legacy working for the Culp Sheep Company, where he developed a work ethic that would serve him for the rest of his life. Culp & Sons Sheep Company was established in 1867 in Colorado, by his grandfather Charles S. Culp, father Reed C Culp, and uncles Glenn V. Culp and Hamer S. Culp.

Sherm met the love of his life, Mary Ellen Colton when they were seated alphabetically, with Sherm sitting right behind Mary Ellen in two of their classes at the University of Utah in 1953. They were married on November 12 of that same year following a whirlwind romance and began a 70-year life together.

Upon graduation from the U of U, Sherm joined the Air Force and started his military career of 28 years. While stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama he earned his MBA and attended the Air Command and Staff College. The highlight of Sherm's professional military career was his time serving in the Utah Air National Guard as a navigator in the KC 97 and the KC135 Stratotanker, he flew combat missions for his country to and from Vietnam. He also traveled the world, served as the Life Support Officer, and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

The family made their home in Salt Lake City Utah where he entered the real estate and property management business. Sherm and Mary Ellen enjoyed many adventures over the years to Europe, Hawaii, and remote parts of the world. After their travels, they spent many winters in their home in St. George, Utah.

Sherm is survived by his loving spouse Mary Ellen, his younger brother, Carl Culp, son, Michael Culp, (Kari), daughters, Erin Smith, (Adam), Laura Smith, (Fred), and several grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is proceeded in death by his parents and his brother Reed Culp Jr..
The family would like to offer special thanks to the loving care providers of Good Shepherd Hospice and heart felt gratitude to Caring Hearts.

Funeral Services for Sherman will be held Friday September 29, 2023, at 11:00am at the Philips Ashley Valley Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 9:45am ~ 10:45am all at the funeral home. Interment in the Rockpoint Cemetery with Military Honors by the American Legion Post 11 & the Patriot Guard Riders of Utah. Services under the direction of the Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home.

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