Edward "Ed" Thomas Culver

ARLINGTON -- Edward Thomas Culver, 78, passed away Sunday, March 3, 2013 at his home in Arlington Graveside Service: will be held at 11:30 a.m., Thursday at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, (Lane C by 11:15). Memorials: Memorials may be made to Community Hospice of Texas, 6100 Western Place, Suite 105, Fort Worth, Texas 76107. Our appreciation to everyone at Community Hospice of Texas for the kindness and support shown to Ed and our family. Ed was born in Pittsburgh, PA on April 9, 1934 where he was raised until he joined the Marine Corps at age 16. He was discharged 6 months later for being under age but joined the Air Force at 17. He retired from the Air Force in 1977 as a Master Sergeant having served at bases in the United States, Korea, Japan, France, Germany and the Philippines. He served two tours in Vietnam where, as a C-130 Flight Engineer, he was twice awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight, The Bronze Star for valor in combat and the Air Medal with 8 Oak Leaf Clusters for outstanding airmanship and courage under extremely hazardous conditions. He later flew with the Hurricane Hunters flying into the eye of hurricanes to collect data. He was preceded in death by his father, Anthony Joseph Sandusky; his mother, Dorothy Ruth Maloney Culver; and his sister, Charmaine Flaherty Smith. Survivors: He is lovingly remembered and survived by his wife of 44 years, Pat; son, Bobby and wife, Tiffany; daughters, Desi Hoskison and husband, Skip, Denise Blankenship and husband, Bob, Diana Galyen and husband, Phillip; step-daughter, Vicki Sappington; grandchildren, Brandi Dooley and husband, Reagan, Chelsea Collier and husband, Brant, Mary Hoskison, Robi Blankenship, Nathalie Galyen and Michael Galyen; sisters-in-law, Sue Reeves and Jamie Martin and several nieces and nephews. Wade Family Funeral Home Arlington, 817-274-9233