It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you, my father and fellow Copperhead SMSgt W. Gene Cullum passed away Sunday last, 23 February, 2025. By the time of dad's retirement, he had over 40 years of service, the vast majority of which was with the 161st. He was so much a part of the Copperhead culture by the time I joined the unit in 1984, I was known as "Gene's kid" for the first five or six years of my 21 years there. As dad aged in retirement, he spoke more and more often of his time as a Copperhead; and it was obvious that his 161st family was very important to him. I want to thank each and every one of you on behalf of my dad for the friendship, laughter, respect and love you extended to him while he was with you. His 161st career was the highlight of his life. His work there gave him a sense of accomplishment and purpose that warmed his heart throughout his life and to the end of his days. Again, I thank you all. - MSgt (Ret) Michael A. Cullum
Funeral services for SMSgt W. Gene Cullum will be held on Thursday, 6 March, 2025 at 1300 hours at Natural Steps Baptist Church 12011 AR-300 Roland AR 72135
He will be laid to rest beside his parents at Kennerly Cemetary with full military honors.
Lawrence Edward McCraw, 80, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away February 7, 2025.
He was born in Aurora, WI, on April 1, 1944, to Lawrence and Geniviere McCraw and an older brother, William.
Lawrence served in the Air Force for nine years, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant. He also served in the Air National Guard, reaching the rank of Master Sergeant. Upon his retirement, he worked in a small fireplace store.
Lawrence had a lot of hobbies ranging from RC cars to geocaching. He had RC cars and reshelled bullets. Upon his death, his favorite pastime was lunch with his friends and his dogs.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, James and Nicole McCraw; his daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Ryan Waddell; stepson and daughter-in-law, Allan and Anne Ellis;
Larry is survived by his children: James (Nicole) McCraw and Mary (Ryan) Waddell; his stepchildren Allan (Anne) Ellis, Toni Wallis, Charles Ellis; his grandchildren Rebekka Mayers, Dylan McCraw, David Ellis, Heather Ellis, Sarah Ellis, Jonathan Ellis; and many cousins and nephew William McCraw.
He is predeceased by his parents, brother, nephew Larry McCraw, and his wife Celia "Sally" McCraw.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be sent in honor of Lawrence to the Arizona Humane Society.