Keith Leroy Culp

Keith Leroy Culp, 73, of Battle Creek died at Bronson Methodist Hospital on Wednesday evening, November 21, 2018, following a heart attack on November 16. His wife and family were with him when he passed.

Keith was born on May 22, 1945, in St. Joseph County, Michigan, to Lola Mae (Carpenter) and Keith Culp and grew up on a farm in Mendon, Michigan.. He was a 1963 graduate of Mendon High School where he was an outstanding athlete and a member of the marching band. Keith was a hard worker all his life, including employment at Research Molding in Mendon; Bemis Bag Co. in Indianapolis, IN; Eaton Valve Division in Battle Creek; GM Hydromatic in Three Rivers; and Post Cereals in Battle Creek, from where he retired in 2012 after 24 years of service.

Keith was united in marriage to Mary Catherine Finch on August 28, 1965, at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Battle Creek, Michigan. Surviving are his wife of 53 years, Mary Catherine; his mother, Lola Mae Culp of Mendon; his children, Rebecca Culp of Battle Creek, Bethany (Duane) Hoffman of Marshall, Catherine (Andy) Carr of Ft. Wayne, IN, Eric (Anngil) Culp of Ft. Wayne, IN, and Caryn (Jason) Anagnostopoulos of Chicago, IL; his grandchildren, Krystal Culp, Raechel Robertson, Seth (Emily) Presley, Tylere Presley, Jordan Presley, Gabrielle Hoffman, Riley Culp, Leah Culp, Connor Carr, Madelyn Carr, Adam Carr, and Margaret Carr; three great-grandchildren, Marlee Rose Culp, Wyatt King, London King; siblings, Mary Ann Evans, Connie Culp, Lynn (Jeff) Zonyk, Edward (Virginia) Culp, Jeanine (Jeff) Zanella, Kelly (Steve) Zull; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their families, and by his dog, Bella. Keith was preceded in death by his father, Keith, and his grandson, Cody Eric Culp. Keith was affectionately called "Papa" by his grandchildren, a name he treasured. He loved attending their athletic events and school activities, cheering them on from the sidelines and offering "words of wisdom" to help them. His family was his pride and joy. His love for them was strong and unfailing, and it endures beyond his passing.

Keith was an avid drag racing fan throughout his life. He loved stock and super stock cars. He worked at Martin Drag way (US 131 Motorsports Park) for many years, even racing his own car for a while. He was always dreaming of the next car he could "soup" up to race.

Keith's family will receive friends from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 27, 2018, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek, where the Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. Keith was a member of St. Philip Roman Catholic Church where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 28, 2018, with Rev. John D. Fleckenstein presiding. Committal and interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Battle Creek Area Catholic Schools, 63 N. 24th Street, Battle Creek, MI 49015. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.