Charles T. Culp

Charles T Culp, age 77 of Terre Haute, died June 7, 2022, at home with his family nearby.

Chuck was born Aug. 30, 1944, in Dallas, TX to Marguerite B. and James T. Culp, and spent a good part of his early years in Webster Groves, MO where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Lee ‘’Sandy’’ Werner in 1965. Surviving Chuck are his wife Sandy, a son Scott A. Culp and his wife Stephanie, a daughter Carolyn Culp Wygle and her husband Ken, grandchildren Sarah and Mary Wygle, Nicholas, Jacob and Elizabeth Culp and Brandon Fogel. Also surviving are four siblings - Margo Schwab and husband Ken of Lincoln, IL, Marcia BonDurant and her husband Ed of Champaign, IL, Marilyn Meier and her husband Jim of Stillwater, MN, and Jim Culp and his wife Linda of Manchester, MO; his sister in law, Deborah Werner of St. Louis, MO, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and childhood friend and best man in his wedding, Larry Thayer. He was preceded in death by his parents, a special aunt, Mary Kershner of Pittsburgh, PA, and special uncle William Brinker of Evanston, IL.

Chuck attended the University of Missouri where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He received his Bachelor’s degree in 1966 and a Master’s degree in Education in 1968.

Chuck enjoyed a successful business career spanning over 6 decades. He first worked at a Pizza Hut as a college student. An opportunity arose to open his first Pizza Hut in Terre Haute in 1969. His business grew until he owned 89 Pizza Huts in Indiana and New York. He was named to the Pizza Hut Franchisee Hall of Fame in 2008. His other businesses were Culp Enterprises, IT Travel and most recently Culp Ventures. Over the years Chuck was blessed and attributed much of his success to having many trusted and reliable long- time partners including Jim Bracher, John Royse, Gary Fears, Doug Duever, Bill Evans, Tom Lory, Steve Schrohe and Chuck’s mentor/original partner, Jack Hart. Chuck was also most fortunate and grateful to have three terrific long time administrative assistants, Deborah Saltz-Werdine, Marcella Bohlander and Michele Clinkenbeard, who were integral in assisting his business holdings and family.

He thoroughly enjoyed mentoring and assisting young entrepreneurs as they embarked on pursuing their dreams. Over time, he was a member of International Pizza Hut Franchisee Holders Association as director, treasurer, secretary, vice-chairman and chairman. He was on the International Tours franchisee council as founder and director, Merchants National Bank board, Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce, Central Presbyterian Church as member, elder, officer and trustee, ISU Foundation as director and vice-Chairman, Alliance for Growth and Progress as director, United Way Division Chairman, and the Vigo County Education Foundation as director. He was a member the Sea Pines Country Club and Terre Haute Country Club.

He supported many charitable causes, including the Terre Haute Children’s Museum, the Vigo County Education Foundation, Central Presbyterian Church, the Swope Art Gallery, the Terre Haute North Education Foundation and Indiana State University. Chuck was the driving force behind getting soccer into the Vigo County high schools. He was involved in the creation of the Wabash Valley Pizza Hut Classic along with Gary Fears and Brian Miller.

Chuck thoroughly enjoyed golf, boating, scuba diving and travel, particularly cherishing gatherings of family in Hawaii and Alaska, diving trips with his son at Grand Cayman, holiday gatherings in Terre Haute and Hilton Head and family reunions every June at Kentucky Lake. He also traveled internationally, highlighted by multiple golf trips to Scotland and Ireland, a safari with Sandy and family in Africa and several cruises with friends. He was a diehard St Louis Cardinal fan, having watched Bob Gibson in his youth and attending many Cardinal games and World Series victories. He also enjoyed following the Indianapolis Colts as a season ticket holder, particularly their Super Bowl championship in 2007.

In his later years Chuck spent much of his free time in Hilton Head Island, SC. He also enjoyed continuing affiliations with long- time friends across the country via his participation in Grand Slam Golf and the E.S.P.F.L. He treasured the many friendships he made over his life and loved reliving all the memories.

Above all else he found joy in his family, watching his children and grandchildren grow and loved spending time with them. He was so very proud of them all. He was interested in whatever interested them. There were many memorable holidays and trips including an Alaskan cruise together. The most meaningful times to him were times spent alone with each of them. He loved being a father and grandfather.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 16th at Central Presbyterian Church, 125 N 7th Street from 10:00am – 12:30pm. Service will begin at 1:00pm with a reception at the church immediately following.

In lieu of flowers Chuck would appreciate that donations be made to Central Presbyterian Church, the Terre Haute Children’s Museum or any charity of your choice.

The family owes much gratitude to Union Hospital, Cobblestone Crossings during his long stay there and to Kindred Hospice and Hands That Serve for their constant support and compassion which allowed Chuck to be at home during his last few weeks.

‘’ It was a wonderful life. I did it my way and had a great run. Thanks to all who touched my life.”