Albert “Leon” Culbertson, 91, of Livingston, Texas, passed away on Oct. 8, 2025. A devoted Christian, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Leon entered eternal rest on this date, joining his grandson, B.W., who passed away on Oct. 8, thirty-two years prior.
Born April 7, 1934, in St. Clair County, Missouri, Leon attended school in Appleton City, Missouri. At the age of 19, he relocated to Texas where he met his supervisor’s little sister, the love of his life, Anna Valene Lewis, who would become his beloved wife after a six-month courtship. Together, they shared 71 years of marriage and raised three daughters: Sherry Ann, Kathy Louise and Sandra Kay. Throughout his early career in the oil industry on seismic crews, the family resided in various communities across Texas, Mississippi, Missouri, Kansas and Louisiana.
In 1966, Leon and his family settled in Anna’s hometown of Romayor, Texas, where he and a neighbor co-founded C&H Construction. He later established his own business specializing in the operation of construction equipment such as bulldozers, backhoes, dump trucks and maintainers. Leon contributed to numerous local projects, including building streets in Kirbywood subdivision in Cleveland, the football field rebuilding and drainage at Tarkington ISD, the drainage ditch at Martin Chevrolet, and extensive development at Chain-O-Lakes (now Artesian Lakes). Renowned for his expertise as an equipment operator and craftsman, Leon was also known for his ability to repair almost anything. Although he never formally retired, Leon eventually sold his equipment and continued to work on a project basis, leasing equipment as needed. In the early 1990’s, Leon and Anna sold their property in Romayor and moved to the Log House he built for them at Rainbow’s End in Livingston. The two continued to work, traveling to Alabama, New Mexico and Arizona where Leon built RV parks for Escapees, Inc. Leon was best known for his skill as an equipment operator, but he made fine cabinetry for friends and neighbors at little or no cost.
A talented musician, Leon performed at Bluegrass Festivals and led music at First Baptist Church, Romayor, and Schwab City Baptist Church. He was a dedicated member of his church community and served as an ordained Deacon.
Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Hershell and Essie (Nichols) Culbertson; his sister, Lois Van Buskirk; his grandson, Billy Wayne “B.W.” Stripling, Jr.; his son-in-law, Mitchell Simpson; his niece, Shirley Van Buskirk Gwin; and his nephew, Terry Van Buskirk.
He is survived by his loving wife: Anna Culbertson, of Livingston; daughters: Sherry Jeffcoat and husband, W Dee, of Shepherd; Kathy Simpson of Caddo Mills, and Sandy Rice and husband, Charlie, of Tarkington; 7 grandchildren and their spouses: Angela Stripling Kinder and husband, Robert; Melissa Stripling Jones and husband, Josh; Sarah Stripling Adame and husband, Paul; Ashley Simpson Wafford and husband, Caleb; Susanna Simpson Yates and husband Clay; Jared Rice and wife, Cam; Charli Rice Staal and husband, Reed; his niece: Linda Van Buskirk Saia; his 9 great-grandchildren; and his numerous great-nieces and great-nephews and cousins.
The family extends their gratitude to Pat Cartwright and the staff at Southern Charm Care Home and Horizons Hospice for their compassionate care during Mr. Leon’s final six months.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at 10 a.m., with visitation at 9 a.m. at Pace-Stancil Chapel, Cleveland, Texas. Leon was laid to rest on Oct. 17, 2025, at Farley Chapel Cemetery in Shepherd, Texas in a private ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Schwab City Baptist Church Music Program, 10998 State Highway 146 S., Livingston, Texas, 77351.