Lowell Wayne Culley passed away Saturday, October 19, at the age of 78 at the Clay County Medical Center. He was born in Kansas City, Missouri on September 21, 1946, the only child of James Frank Culley and Martha Alyce Tanner Culley who predeceased him.
Wayne graduated from Shawnee Mission North High School in 1964. He attended Emporia State Teachers College and the University of Montana for two years. In 1966 he joined the United States Navy and served for four years earning a Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Star. He was honorably discharged in 1970 and returned to Emporia State Teachers College to finish a BSE. He also holds an MS in Journalism from Kansas State.
He worked a variety of jobs, including as an English and Journalism teacher, bar owner, and, for 25 years, he served as the news editor for the Clay Center Dispatch.
He was a member of the Clay Center Elks Lodge #2253 and the American Legion. He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.
Wayne loved his family and friends. He loved a good political discussion, a good book, and a good round of golf with a stop at the 19th hole. He was blessed to share that with wonderful friends including Bruce Wingerd, Everett Burt, and Bob Steenbock.
He was blessed by the care of his primary health provider Audra Walter, the staff of CCMC and the wonderful women of Meadowlark Hospice who made him laugh at the worst of times.
Wayne is survived by his wife of 52 years, Elizabeth Kay (Ptacek) Culley, his beloved daughters, Sara Costello (Frank) and Melinda Culley (Craig Terry), and his adored granddaughter, Josephine Costello.
His extended family included Doug and Monica Ptacek, James and Dena Ptacek and families and good friends Eric and Geri Carlson.
Respect calls will be held from 4:00 to 6:00PM on Friday, November 8, at the Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home in Clay Center, Kansas.
Memorial services will be held at 10:30AM on Saturday, November 9, at the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Clay Center, Kansas.
Memorial contributions may be made to Meadowlark Hospice in care of Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home.
