Donald “Don” Warren Culp
Donald “Don” Warren Culp was born in San Gabriel on Aug. 20, 1934, to Sidney Donaldson Culp and Charlotte Bernyce Smith Culp. He attended Sharp High School and Southwest State Teacher’s University. He began working at the Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA) in 1952 where he began working in the chemistry laboratory, moved to supervisory positions within the Atomizer and finally over pot room operations. He retired after working over 30 years for ALCOA and writing the operations manual that served as a guide for other national and international plants of which he personally guided through startup. During his working career he also started two small businesses including a drive-in grocery and a real estate appraisal service.
Donald Warren Culp served in the Texas State Guard for 10 years. He proudly spoke of his time in Fort Polk Louisiana during Exercise Iron Dragoon as a member of “Brewster’s Rooster’s”. Don Culp was a city councilman, Mayor pro tempore, and Mayor of the city of Thorndale. During his tenure as Mayor, he obtained grants to expand the city limits and to ensure continued water through southwest Milam water supply, as well as adequate sewage lines with processing for the city, expanding all city services into underserved areas of the city.
Don spent many days enjoying fast-pitch softball with his friends. Later, Don enjoyed coaching little league baseball, fast pitch girls’ softball, and basketball. He was a constant inspiration for his grandchildren’s participation in team sports and leadership.
In 1967, Don met and married the love of his life and best friend, Linda Arlene Jones of Buckholts. They were married for over 55 years and had two children, Mr. Jon Patrick Culp of Michigan, and Dr. Tracie Culp Harrison of Texas. The two enjoyed westerns, foreign movies, long drives, picking pecans, and holding hands.
Mr. Donald Warren Culp was preceded in death by both parents.
Don Culp is survived by his wife, Linda Culp and four children, Sherry Easley and her husband Rick, Sidney Culp and Diane, Jon Patrick Culp and Renee Walls, and Tracie Culp Harrison. He is also survived by a beloved brother, John Allen Culp. Grandchildren include Phillip and Casey Addicks, Jessica and Charles Henry Wadlington, Jason M. Culp, Joshua Patrick & Hannah Culp, Lauren Elizabeth Culp Thill, Charleigh Ann Culp, and Jon Warren Culp. He has seven great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Rockdale. Burial will be in Thorndale City Cemetery. There will be a reception following the services at Thorndale Chamber of Commerce.