San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
Leo V. Culp
June 11, 1934 - July 14, 2021
LA MESA — Captain Leo V. Culp was born in Long Beach, California on June 11, 1934. He was a 1953 graduate of Point Loma High School and during his high school years, was an avid sailor at the Mission Bay Yacht Club winning numerous trophies.
In 1954, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps while living on the island of Taiwan, China with his parents, Commander James D. and Lois Julia Culp. His father was a Bataan Death March and Japanese POW survivor. Captain Culp served 20 years as a Marine in numerous ground and aviation billets. In the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, he served as a staff member with the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade. During the Vietnam War, he served with the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing at Dong Ha and Khe Sanh combat bases where he was awarded the Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. Upon his retirement in 1974, he was serving as Air Traffic Control Projects Officer at Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington D.C.
After retiring from the Marines, Captain Culp served 18 years as the General Dynamic/ Electronics Division’s Customer Training Administrator. He retired from that position in August 1992. Captain Culp was a member of the Marine Air Traffic Control Association.
Leo enjoyed coaching and volunteering for his son’s Little League teams, golfing and exploring the U.S.A. with his wife. He was known for his creative illustrations, often making birthday and anniversary cards for his wife and leaving her humorous cartoon notes around the house. His smile could light up a room.
After cremation, interment will be at the Miramar National Cemetery. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 65 years, Adrienne, who served along side him as a true professional Marine Corps wife. He is also survived by his three children and their spouses: Tina (Thomas Barton), Mark (Kelly) and Matthew (Rosemary Duran) and is proud of the fine adults they have become. He is also the beloved grandfather of twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Semper Fi.