Theodore Bernard Henderson Culp, known fondly as “Pete”, was born on January 24, 1940, in Sharon, Pennsylvania, to the late Fred R. and Esther L. (Austin) Culp. He peacefully passed away on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, surrounded by loved ones.
Pete, the youngest of ten siblings, was raised by parents who held strong Christian values. As a child, Pete liked to play multiple sports, and he excelled in football and basketball. While attending high school in Sharon, he played a pivotal role in leading the school to state championships in both football and basketball. Pete’s athletic abilities also extended to helping Anderson College secure a major championship in 1958.
Pete later met and was married to Nancy Quarles. Two years later, Pete moved to Toledo Ohio where his brother was the senior pastor at First Church of God. From their union two handsome sons were born – William (Tony) and Alan.
After their union dissolved, Pete would later marry his current wife Linda Culp and raise his beautiful daughter Charnell and son Robert. Pete was a devoted father to all his children and loved them dearly. Pete worked hard and provided for his family by securing employment as an educator.
He would later blaze a trail in Social Justice because of the injustice he saw in his community.
From 1967-1969 Pete worked for the Economic Opportunity Planning Association (E.O.P.A.) Toledo, OH as Community Organizer. He promoted the involvement of residents in Block Watch and helped residents to become
stakeholders in their neighborhoods.
In 1970, he became the Director of Model Cities Programs where he started the Food to Feed Students Program, initiated the Cordelia Martin Health Center and directed the funding and building of Washington Village, helping to reinvest in the Central City’s private homes. He worked in this capacity through 1975.
In 1976, Pete took on another bold move as the Commissioner of Renewal Operations where he oversaw a 10-million-dollar annual budget managing Economic Development, Operation of Relocation, the Real Estate Division and the Inspection Division.
Pete’s drive for excellence in helping the city of Toledo thrive landed him the position of Director of Planning and Development with the Economic Opportunity Planning Association (E.O.P.A.) where he initiated the Reentry Program for Ex-offenders (K.I.F.), the Fatherhood Initiative, increased the level of funding for the Anti-Poverty Initiative, and stablished Results Oriented Management Accountability (R.O.M.A.).
Because of his extensive knowledge of government, his effective communication skills, his work ethic and ability to make unbiased decisions, Pete was awarded the Outstanding Service to Organization MNRA Award, The City of Toledo Award for work on the Planning Commission from Mayor Michael Bell and the Exceptional Leadership and Devoted Service Award from the Lucas County Port Authority.
As a highly regarded person in his community, Pete served on numerous boards, committees, and projects, including the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, Lucas County Metropolitan Housing Authority, Toledo Lucas County Children Services, Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union, Fresh Attitude, Jim Jackson Foundation, African American Legacy Project, NAACP and the Lucas County Planning Commission.
Pete was known for his outspoken nature, compassionate spirit, and intellectual contributions as a civil servant. He was always ready to help and advocate for what he believed was just. Pete Culp was not just a community advocate, he also became a committed Christian who attended the First Church of God in Toledo, Ohio, where his brother, Bishop Robert A. Culp, served as his pastor for 62 years.
Active in the Men’s Ministry, Stewardship Board and Men’s Choir, Pete played a crucial role in supporting both young and senior members in overcoming challenges. His dedication to serving the community mirrored his commitment to helping those in need within the church. Pete’s remarkable ability to connect with individuals from all social classes, especially mothers with young sons and young daughters, was unparalleled.
He was cherished by both the community and the members of the church, leaving behind a powerful legacy. Pete, affectionately known as “PoPo”, loved to have fun and had moves on the dance floor. He was a devoted father
to his children and family, and anyone passing his home knew they were always present in his life.
Theodore Bernard Henderson Culp, known fondly as “Pete” was preceded in death by his parents, Fred, and Esther (Austin) Culp and eight of his nine siblings. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Linda Culp, brother Bishop Robert (Maggie)Culp of Toledo, OH, sons William “Tony” Culp of Toledo, OH, Stanton “Alan” (Brigette) Culp of Columbus, OH, Robert (Felicia) Bethany of Toledo, OH, daughter Charnell Bethany of New Orleans, LA, granddaughter Taleah (Dontea) Woodard of Toledo, OH, and a multitude of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, Godchildren, and other loved ones.
Visitation will be at First Church of God on Friday September 13th, 6-8 p.m. Services will be at First Church of God on Saturday September 14th, family hour 10-11a.m. and funeral beginning at 11a.m., Bishop Robert A. Culp eulogizing.