Wayne "Buck" William Culver

"Iron Genius" Laid to Rest After 35 Years of Service to Community

One of Lusk's real artisans W. W. "Buck" Culver, 63, died September 26 at the Memorial Hospital in Casper following major surgery. Funeral service was held at the Peet Chapel Saturday at 2:00 p.m.

Mr. Culver was a master metal worker and from the time he first came to Lusk in 1938 and purchased the Perry's Blacksmith Shop, which was later known as the Western Repair Shop, truckers and others came from miles around to get the springs he fashioned.

The title of "Iron Genius" was aptly used to describe Mr. Culver for the work he did in fashioning metal objects of all kinds which can be found in homes all over this area and throughout the United States. Mr. Culver was the first to build power sweeps, he first made the "Branding Irons" which went out of Lusk all over the country and during World War II repaired everything from eye glasses to tractors for his community and helped to keep the ranchers operating. These are just a few of the things that show the versatility of the man and his contribution through the years.

The Rev. Robert Boutwell officiated at the funeral service with Mrs. J. P. Watson accompanying the soloist, James Willson, as he sang "The Old Rugged Cross" and "There's A Long Long Trail".

Casket bearers were Robert Vollmer, Robert Baribeau, Dale Lange, Roscoe Kilmer, Richard Barnett and Blake Ford. Burial was in the Lusk Cemetery. The family has suggested that memorials be made to the Niobrara County Memorial Hospital.

Wayne William "Buck" Culver was born in Yates Center, Kan., July 23, 1910, the fourth of six sons born to Mr. and Mrs. James Morton Culver. In the 1920's the family moved to Casper where Mr. Culver attended high school. While in Casper he worked for the Taylor Steel Company.

In 1938 he moved to Lusk and purchased the Perry's Blacksmith Shop which was later known as the Western Repair Shop.

Mr. Culver married Edith Christian August 29, 1943, and to the marriage were born five children Bruce of Kansas City, Kan., Kay Seeman of Wolsey, S. D., and Brad and twins, Keith and Karmen of the family home. In 1958 the family moved to their present home which is six miles south of Lusk.

Mr. Culver also had three daughters from a previous marriage Billie Stover, of Cardiff, Cal., Collen Freshman, Reno, Nev., and Myrna Horn of El Cajon, Calf.

In addition to his contributions through his work Mr. Culver gave time to many community projects including the band shell and the golf course. During World War II he also taught a government welding class.

He is survived by his wife, Edith, the eight children, 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by four brothers, Leon Culver, Spring Valley, Calif.; Lafe Culver, Lusk; Pat Culver, Casper, and Duff Culver, Seattle Wash. His parents and one brother, Glen died previously.

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