Date of Death: March 7, 2026
Service Details
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Center Park United Methodist Church, 18662 Moorepark Rd., Three Rivers, with lunch to follow. Pastor Pat Catellier and Rev. Timothy Worgan will officiate.
Obituary Notice
Pastor Martin Henry Culver, 82, of Portage, went to be with his Lord on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at his home.
He was born March 6, 1944, in Detroit, the son of Worth D. and Mildred A. Culver. Marty graduated from Cooley High School and later enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era, serving honorably until his discharge.
On June 17, 1967, Marty married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Bates. The couple spent their early years in Petoskey, raising their two children in that beautiful northern paradise. As a family they enjoyed camping, sledding—especially “bump-jumping”—gardening, playing board games, and church activities. Many nights were spent stargazing from the back of the truck in the hills of their farm.
In 1991, Marty and Barbara moved to Suttons Bay, Michigan, where he began his ministry. Throughout his career he faithfully served several congregations, including Keswick United Methodist Church, Ionia United Methodist Church, Millwood United Methodist Church, and Center Park United Methodist Church. Although he retired in 2018 at the age of 74, Marty remained active in his faith community and continued to attend and serve at Center Park United Methodist Church.
Marty enjoyed traveling, especially on his many trips to Israel. He loved photography and had a talent for carpentry, often creating thoughtful gifts and warm, inviting living spaces with his own hands. By far, his favorite pastime was working on his small backyard pond while enlisting close friends to assist. Marty loved to spin tales and was always entertaining his company with the best stories.
He is survived by his son, Jeffrey Culver; daughter, Kristina (Timothy) Worgan; grandchildren, Nicholas (Jordan) Worgan, Riley Worgan, Annalise Worgan, Finn Culver, and August Culver; great-granddaughter, Charlotte Hardin; and brother, Michael (Patty) Butzke.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Culver, in 2023; his parents; his stepmother, Ethel Culver; his brother, Warren Culver; and his sister, Stephanie Witt.
Additional Information
Memorial donations in Marty’s honor may be directed to Kalamazoo Animal Rescue or Center Park UMC.
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To Jeff, Christina, Karla, Kristina & Kyle and your families.
My prayers are with you all with many losses. My prayer is that you can all remain close and keep a strong relationship. Blessings, Judy Brummeler
Marty’s good nature and ever-ready smile will be missed. He will be sorely missed. To Jeff, Kristina and all the family, I hope all the fantastic shared memories will sustain you as you face the stages of grief🙏🏽 Only God knows our time of departure, but He allows us to use our memories to keep them with us, Spiritually. Now, Warren, Stephanie and Marty are together again. Sincere condolences from Lansing. Jean & Family
Marty was always a strong positive role model in my life from childhood through adulthood. He was a strong man of God whom I was proud to call friend. My wife and I extend our most heartfelt condolences to Jeff and Kristina and his whole family
I will deeply miss Pastor Marty! He was truly an Angel of GOD-he was an amazing man who was a friend and a blessing to myself and my family. As my pastor, Marty delivered the message of GOD in a traditional manner which was how I was raised. He made us feel so welcome from the start….he was an extremely down to earth person. I enjoyed every Sunday morning knowing that Pastor Marty and his beautiful wife Barb would be at church! I will miss him hugely-he truly was a blessing in my life.
Marty was a longtime friend. We encouraged him when he decided to become a pastor and were excited to see his first church growing and build in members and buildings. He was a long distance and long time friend to my husband Bob and me. Many phone conversations exchanged. My son Charles worked for him for a. While & learned some carpentry skills. He was a strong man in his faith in God and Jesus and shared it wherever he was. My thoughts and prayers go out to Jeff and Christina and their families.
May memories of your time together be a blessing. Sending you our sincere condolences and deepest sympathies.
Marty was an amazing disciple of Jesus Christ who I was blessed to know for 40 years. I consider him a very special mentor to me. Congratulations Marty for concluding this race on earth culminating in an out of this world experience. You definitely have earned your Angel wings!
He was my neighbor a really good friend. I’m gonna miss having dinner with him.