Jerome C. Culver

Jerome C. "Jerry" Culver, 83, passed away January 23rd, 2017. The rosary will be prayed at 4 pm Friday, January 27th, 2017 at St. Thomas More Church, 11822 Holmes Rd, Kansas City, MO followed by visitation until 6 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 6 pm followed by a reception in More Hall. Interment will be 9 am Saturday at Calvary Cemetery. The family requests memorial contributions to Bishop Ward High School, Rockhurst High School, Benedictine College or JDRF for diabetes research.
Jerry was born October 14, 1933 in Shawnee, KS to Charles Jerome and Marie Culver. Jerry attended De La Salle Academy, St. Benedicts College in Atchison, KS and served in the Navy. Jerry was a very gifted and talented football player throughout college and was offered to play professionally, yet chose to stay in Kansas City and coach. During his career he coached and taught at De La Salle, Rockhurst, Bishop Ward, and Center High Schools.
Coach Culver helped start the 7 on 7 Summer Football League and was very active in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program. He was one of the first coaches inducted into the Missouri High School Coaches Hall of Fame. Some of his coaching highlights include the undefeated season of the 1965 De La Salle team and their city and state championship and the 1981 Rockhurst state championship.
Whether called "Mr. Culver" or "Coach Culver" he has always been the epitome of the term "teacher/coach". Jerry was a fierce competitor which carried over to all who played for him. Many words can describe Coach Culver; genuine (he is the real deal), loyal, dependable, humble, inspirational, and humorous (his delivery is as entertaining as the stories themselves). Former players often speak of the tremendous respect they all have for him.
Jerry had many friends that he enjoyed and held dear. He was an avid outdoorsman and took great pleasure in hunting trips with his family and coaching friends. He loved training and hunting with his English Pointers and spending time in nature. He and Barbara enjoyed their retirement traveling with many friends and family.
Most important in Jerrys life was his faith. Jerrys Catholic faith was fostered especially by the Brothers at De La Salle Academy, the Benedictine clergy and the Christian Brothers. He passed on his Catholic faith through fine example to his children and grandchildren. He was a natural leader, a true gentlemans gentleman, and a warm, loving father. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and former players.



SERVICES Rosary
Friday, January 27, 2017 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
St. Thomas More Church 11822 Holmes Road Kansas City, MO 64131
Visitation
Friday, January 27, 2017 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
St. Thomas More Church 11822 Holmes Road Kansas City, MO 64131
Mass of Christian Burial
Friday, January 27, 2017 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
St. Thomas More Church 11822 Holmes Road Kansas City, MO 64131