David Eugene Cullen, age 81, of Lebanon, Missouri, passed away on January 26, 2024. He was born on May 7, 1942, to Eugene and Audrey Cullen of Janesville, Minnesota.
Dave grew up on a farm outside Janesville, Minnesota, and attended Janesville Schools with his four younger siblings. He had many adventures with his siblings growing up and was a source of endless stories of his youth. When the rest of the family moved to Oregon in 1960, he stayed in Minnesota where he met Maxine Ellingsworth of Elysian. Maxine and David knew it was love at first sight and they were wed on January 24, 1962. By 1965 the couple had two children, Tammy and Tim, and had moved all over the Northwest. The family moved to Missouri before eventually settling down in Lebanon, Missouri. Their love story lasted until his last breath, sixty-two blessed years later.
Dave will forever be known for his love of wood-working and driving. His carpentry skills were unrivaled; family and friends will always cherish the many pieces he artistically created. If Dave was not home he could most likely be found at Lindsay’s Chevrolet. He drove cars for them until he retired. Lindsay’s became his second home and he never failed to take dozens of Maxine’s homemade cookies to his other family every Christmas.
Dave was a fan of NASCAR and professional wrestling. He left behind a love of wrestling in his grandson and great-grandson. Legend has it that Maxine actually had to ban wrestling too late at night as Dave got so excited he couldn’t sleep!
Dave was a long-time member of St Francis de Sales Catholic Church of Lebanon, a member of the National Guard, loved animals; especially his dogs, and was a friend to everyone he knew. Dave had a knack of knowing and remembering everything about everyone he met; showing just how much people meant to him. Without a mean bone in his body, everyone loved Dave. He was a flirt; tipping the Sonic girls, a prankster; always teasing - but in a way that made a person feel special, and a goofball; doing the “grandpa walk” to illicit giggles from the grandkids.
Dave loved nothing more than spending time with his family. He lived his life making sure those he cared for knew he loved, appreciated, and supported them.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Audrey Cullen and his brothers Gary and Richard Cullen.
Dave is survived by his wife Maxine Cullen of Lebanon, Missouri; his daughter Tammy (Greg) Streeval of Lebanon, Missouri; his son Tim of Branson, Missouri; his grandson Josh (Shanda) Cullen of Lebanon, Missouri; his great-grandson Caleb Cullen; and his siblings Marilyn Pinard and John Cullen.
A Celebration of Life will be held on March 23 at the Lebanon VFW located at 1617 Lynn Street. The celebration will be potluck from 5-7 PM. All friends and family are welcome. If you are able, please bring a dish, grab a drink at the bar (cash or card), and celebrate the life of this amazing man.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Paws and Claws Animal Adoption Center of Lebanon, Missouri.
