Daniel L. Culler

Daniel L. Culler, 92, of Green Valley, AZ (formerly of Syracuse & Goshen, IN) passed away on Sunday, April 24, 2016 in Green Valley, AZ. He was born on March 22, 1924 in Syracuse, IN to Clement & Maude Brown Culler. Daniel loved to tell stories of his early years on the small family farm, where he and his siblings and mother continued to live and work following the death of his father.

He was a United States veteran having served during WW II & Korean Wars. He was married to Betty (Strang) Culler who preceded him on May 3, 2012 and with whom he was looking forward to once again walking together "hand in hand in a land where there is no more suffering, no more wars, no more hatred, only love and peace." and retired to Arizona in the early 1980s.

Daniel was a member of the "Greatest Generation." He was a flight engineer and top turret gunner on B24s during WWII. He was imprisoned by the Swiss for trying to escape from internment after his B24 was forced to land in Switzerland. He spent time in Wauwilermoos Federal Prison where he was tortured and his wounds were left untreated. Fifty years later, the president of Switzerland, Kaspar Villager, personally apologized to Dan for his suffering during the war.

Daniel was a maintenance supervisor for Parker Motor Freight Trucking Co. in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for many years. In the Green Valley area, he and Betty worked at the ranch of George and Jacque Parker in Amado for a number of years. He was a self-published author of two books, "The Black Hole of Wauwilermoos," about his time as a POW; and the "Circle of Thorns," about his childhood. In addition to being a writer, Daniel has been described as an inventor and a frequent commentator on the state of America.

Most recently, Daniel lived at The Peaks in Green Valley, where he made several friends. He loved to drive his golf cart to Torres Blancas Golf Course not only to watch the golfers finish up on the 18th hole, but to watch the birds that frequented the ponds and trees on the course.

He is survived by:

2 Daughters – Sandra (Gary) Van Vuren of Wayland, MI & Deborah Gene (Bowen of Tennessee

Grandchildren Jason, Mike, Daniel, Tabatha, Seth, Charlie, Tara and Jesse, and their spouses

Many Gt. Grandchildren

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and daughter Diana Raney.

Private family graveside services will be held at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Goshen, IN. Owen Family Funeral Home, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, IN is in charge of local arrangements.

Memory bequest may be given to donor’s choice.