Final Salute

Warren Lee Culberson

October 6, 1931 – January 4, 2022

It is with heavy heart that we announce the passing from this life of our loving husband and father Warren L. Culberson. He died peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours of Tuesday, January 4th, 2022. Fortunately both children and their spouses were in Lompoc at the time.

Warren was born in Hollywood, California to Lucille and William M Culberson on October 6th, 1931. He and his brother Bill had an idyllic childhood growing up in the San Fernando Valley, full of orange groves and extended family members. Their father was in the Navy during World War II and then involved in building in the San Fernando Valley and Beverly Hills upon his return.

Following the war Warren’s Family moved to Oceanside, California where Warren’s father was a general contractor and Warren Lee attended Junior High and High School, Enjoying the Southern California beach lifestyle.

Warren followed his father’s business move to Fort Worth Texas in 1950, the year he enrolled at Texas Christian University where he played football for a year. The Korean conflict interrupted the college experience, and Warren served in the Seabees in the Pacific during that conflict and with the reserves for two more years.

Warren returned to Texas Christian University in the spring of 1952. In 1953 he met his future wife of 65 years Barbara Woolley. Following his graduation with a BS in Business Administration in January of 1956 he and Barbara were married February 4th, 1956. She finished her BS in education that August. They drove a U-Haul trailer to California, a big move for the native Texan wife.

The Culberson family spent a year in Santa Barbara building before moving to Lompoc to participate in the boom that ensued after the conversion of Camp Cook to Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Warren and his brother Bill were proud of their years of building and developing Lompoc as contractors, then realtors and property managers. Many of the people they built for became lifelong friends. Warren was very active in the community serving as president of the Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis Club and the Board of Realtors back in the 60s. He was a founding member of El Camino Bank (now Mechanics Bank) and was a long-standing member of the Elks, Lompoc Valley Club, the Vaqueros de los Ranchos, Masonic Lodge, Shriners, Navy League, Republican Club, Lincoln Club, and numerous other organizations.

Warren and Barbara were World Travelers, visiting every continent except for Antarctica. Warren was very active in his earlier years. He soloed as a pilot, and was a certified scuba diver. He enjoyed waterskiing, bicycling, and skiing. He and Barbara often ballooned or had whitewater adventures on their trips. In later years Warren was an avid reader of philosophers and historical novels.

Warren was very proud of his children and their spouses. He is survived by his son, Warren Lee Culberson II, spouse Koren Enzler; daughter Michelle Shortle, spouse Jim Shortle; grandson Jimson Shortle, spouse April Shortle; great grandchildren Lily and Logan Shortle; nieces Charmon Williams (Ken), Jennifer Ritchie (Jeff), and Kim Phebus and close cousins.

Warren had spent the past year in declining health, but he enjoyed spending the last two months in the comfort of his home with his fireplace, FOX News, TCM, and playing Mexican Train Dominoes and having frequent visits from his children and weekly visits with the neighborhood group.

He was lovingly cared for by his wife, Barbara, with the wonderful help of his children and Caregivers Rosa, Margarita, Veronica, Dee, and Larry.

There will be no memorial until mid-Spring because of the COVID outbreak. The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Lompoc Elks Lodge or a local charity of your choice.