Roll Call Tribute

Yaksich-Long Funeral Home obituary

Eric Neil Culver
(January 5, 1929 - October 3, 2010)

Eric Neil Culver, 81 of Raton, NM passed away peacefully at his home after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 40 spectacular years, Billie Payne Culver, two daughters
Patti Jones and her husband Lee of Las Vegas, Nevada and Paula Anderson of Colorado Springs, CO. His grandson Clayton Andrew "Andy" Anderson, granddaughter Jill Jones-Lepik and her husband Paul. He is also survived by his son David Eric Culver and his wife Pat of Mason, TX and two grandsons Matthew Karl Culver and Lucas Burkhart Culver.

Mr. Culvar was a fifth generation Texan, where he spent 37 years of his life in Matagorda County, Texas. Eric was active in farming, ranching, real estate and co-owned the World Champion Two Year Old Colt, Tonto Parr, and campaigned several other noteworthy Quarter Horses shortly thereafter. In 1966 he relocated to Raton, New Mexico where he became president of La Mesa Park Race Track, a thriving entertainment and sports venue. Eric became a community leader in Raton, actively promoting many civic endeavors such as the NRA Center, Community Hospital, The Raton Library and The schuler Restoration Theater. Eric also led a group that purchased the Ruidoso Downs in 1968 where he was president, owner he even began a new quest at 73 to return racing to Raton remaining active until his death.

Mr Culver was a member of the Masonic Fraternity and the Scottish Rite for many years as well as Noble of the Mystic Shrine, Ballut Abyad Temple. Eric was raised in the Gate Way Lodge #11, Raton, NM, 32 degree Scottish Rite and held the position of President of the Raton Shrine Club.

Eric was also involved with the Fraternal Order of Elks Lodge No. 865. Mr Culver through his years held many official post, honors and committee positions. He was real active in real estate , transportation and the manufactured home business. He believed and lived the American Dream.

Eric was a hard working and loving man's man, a man who never had a bad word to say about anyone. His optimism and loving heart will be forever remembered. His family appreciates the years of support and assistance of friends in the last two weeks, ad request that any memorial contributions be made in his name to the Raton Public Library or the Raton City Museum. Memorial services and celebration of love will be Friday October 8, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. at the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home Chapel with pastor Rick Trice officiating. Arrangements for Eric Culver are under the direction of the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home of Raton.