John Robert “J.
R.” McCullough
85,
Sun City West, AZ
Visitation: 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Saturday April 3, 2010
Celebration Of Life: 1:00 P.M. Saturday April 3, 2010 - Rev. Howard Bell - Pulliam Funeral Home, Oblong, IL
Expressions Of Sympathy May Take The Form Of Contributions To The Oblong Children’S Christian Home Or Oblong Schools Academic Foundation. Envelopes At Or May Be Mailed To The Funeral Home.
John Robert “J.R.” McCullough, 85, Sun City West, AZ. formerly of Crete and Oblong, IL., passed away Tuesday March 9, 2010, at the Aging with Dignity Assisted Living Home in Surprise, AZ. He was born October 28, 1924 in Oblong, IL. and was the son of John Dow McCullough and Geraldine (Stuckey) McCullough. On March 17, 1945, he married Lela Lorene Wiman. J.R. and Lela were Oblong High School sweethearts, who would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this past St. Patrick’s Day. J. R started as a salesmen for Scott Foresman Book Publishing Company in 1957 then became President and Founder of Crete Oil Company.
He was a United States Navy Veteran of WWII. He entered the service in 1942 as an Aviation Cadet and also played on the Navy Football Team, The Iowa Seahawks during WWII. J.R. was a member of the Crete Methodist Church, Crete, IL. J. R. and Lela were full-time residents of Sun City West, AZ., since 1991 and former residents of Crete, IL. for 45 years. J.R. was very involved in the Crete community, including the church, Little League, Lions Club, and served as President of the Crete-Monee School Board for 6 years.
J.R. loved and lived life to its fullest and touched the hearts of so many people. During the 26 months after his stroke, he never once complained or felt sorry for himself and was so grateful for the compassionate care he received from Adrian and others at Aging with Dignity. The family is comforted knowing he is at peace. J.R. will be greatly missed.
J.R. is survived by his wife Lela McCullough; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Dr. Robert McCullough and John A. & Lynda McCullough; daughter and son-in-law Gayle & John Fazzini; four grandsons, Jeffrey & Alison Meek , Dr. Douglas & Elizabeth Meek, James Nicholas McCullough and Austin McCullough; step grandson Josh York; six great grandchildren Emily, Sara, Hannah, Kathrerin, Ryan and Margaret.
J. R. is preceded in death by his son James W. “Jimbo” McCullough – January 4, 2005.