Roger William McCulley, 77, of Grinnell, died on 03/28/2024 at his home, surrounded by the love of his family.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 4, 2024, at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell with Rev. Eric Schubert officiating. Casket Bearers will be Joshua Burns, Tom Moyer, Gordy Thompson, Dennis Whannel, Greg McCulley, and Jeff McCulley. Honorary Bearers will be Lea and Levi McCulley. Interment will be at the Rock Creek Cemetery near Grinnell.

Family will greet friends for a visitation from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell.

Should friends desire, memorials may be directed to the American Legion Post 0053 or UnityPoint Hospice-Grinnell and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home, P.O. Box 368, Grinnell, Iowa 50112.

Roger was born on August 1, 1946 in Grinnell, Iowa to William and Margaret McCulley. He grew up on the farm and attended school in Montezuma prior to joining the US Navy. He served honorably from 1963 – 1967 completing 3 tours aboard the USS Savage during the Vietnam War.

On December 7, 1968, he was married to Judy Kinnaird in Kirksville, Missouri. Roger and Judy made their home in Grinnell, where he worked as a mechanic, and then the local utility company for 33 years, retiring in 2007. Roger and Judy were the proud parents of two children, Cathy and Danny.

Roger enjoyed working on vehicles, tinkering with small engines, bowling, countless crossword puzzles, watching football and NASCAR events on TV, taking rides around town, and spending time with family and friends. He was a fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Las Vegas Raiders.

Survivors include his one daughter, Cathy Burns of Grinnell; one son, Danny (Jina) McCulley of Papillion, Nebraska; three grandchildren, Joshua Burns and Lea and Levi McCulley; and 4 siblings, Jo Ann Stanford, John (Barb) McCulley, Gary (Lisa) McCulley, and Leila McCulley, all of Grinnell, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife of 49 years, Judy in 2017; and a brother-in-law, Tom Stanford.