MCLEAN, Va. – Donald W. Culver died peacefully at home surrounded by family and loved ones on Feb. 17, 2004. His three-year commitment to survive pancreatic cancer brought hope and inspiration to many. Born Feb. 13, 1939, in Akron, Ohio, Don lived most of his early years in southern California graduating from Glendale High School. As a teenager, he became interested in rockets and formed a small club with friends. His best launch in the Mojave Desert, soaring nearly two miles high, attracted the attention of Edwards Air Force Base radar which then mobilized two fighter jets to investigate the “UFO”. Don always believed that this achievement helped his acceptance to Stanford University, where he studied mechanical engineering and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Don’s career primarily consisted of systems analysis of liquid rocket propulsion at Aerojet Gencorp and he was a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Aerodynamics. His expertise in rocketry was internationally recognized. Among his most noted accomplishments include participating in the design of the space shuttle Enterprise and his patented work that enables nuclear powered space travel to Mars. He retired with the honor of Chief Engineer. His second career began when he moved to McLean, Va., working at SAIC as consultant to the government on issues of national security. He was affectionately known as “the rocket man” and had been frequently sighted wearing a tee shirt proclaiming “Actually, I am a rocket scientist.” Those who knew Don will never forget his ever-present punny sense of humor, poetry and love of his favorite get-a-way in Kirkwood, Calif., not to mention his uncanny luck at cribbage. Don became an active and beloved member of the Rock Springs Congregational, from where he gained an eternal source of strength and optimism. Don is survived by his beloved wife, Lisbeth (DeLong) Culver; his parents, Fredrick and Dorothy Culver; his children born by Joan (Winn) Culver; daughter, Cathie Culver and son, Brent Culver, married to Amy Gale Culver; daughter, Shalene (Kirkley) Cea, married to Anthony Cea; and son, James Peter Kirkley, married to Rachel Kirkley; his mother-in-law, Mary B. Smith of Presque Isle. Interment will take place 11 a.m. Saturday, June 12, 2004, at Fairmount Cemetery, Presque Isle.
DONALD WILLIAM CULVER
