John Charles Cullett

     John Charles Cullett

    August 8, 1928-April 17, 2025
In Long Beach, California John was the second born son to Charles Gilbert and Helena Cullett. His brothers, Jim, Frank, and Dan proceeded him in death. John has two living siblings, Betty Carson and Henry Lewis.
   John lead and active life! He joined at 16 years of age, the Merchant Marines, and later the Navy. With World War II still raging they hauled supplies across the ocean for our troops in 1944. Being a very devoted son, he sent money home to his mother. He was on the USS Papago ship and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal.
   After his time and service to our country, he married Arlene Ellis. They moved to Hornbrook California, where he worked as a carpenter. Their first son John was born there. Soon after they moved to Oregon, the births of Geneva, Jeffrey, Jesse, Jacqueline and Fred followed. He built bridges and later went into the well drilling business. John and his brother Jim drilled wells all over Oregon. He built barns and many homes (6) including the family home in Surprise Valley. He flew and owned his airplane and drove tractors, built homes in Dutch Harbor, Alaska. He restored 43 vintage tractors and restored model A’s.
   In 1991 he married Margaret Rizzo (Cookie) in Colorado. She brought into the family, Karen Dubois and Tommy Rizzo. They had a small wedding with daughter Karen attending and a wonderful reception in Grants Pass given by Cookies sister. John built them a home on the mountain in Canyonville. Later, they lived in Azalea on a large farm, where they enjoyed country life. They had many animals. -at one time 93 animals were taken care of there! They enjoyed gardening and time together, haying, and farm life. In his 80s John decided to build a barn. He cut trees, milled them and built by hand a beautiful barn. John and Cookie enjoyed years of love and companionship. John loved his life with Cookie. John was passionate about life. Learning to be the best man he could be as a sailor, a Merchant Marine, cowboy, Carpenter, log house builder, construction, worker, well driller, and farmer.
   John was very proud of his service to our country. He was the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post Commander in Canyonville, Oregon. John was deeply grateful to be chosen to go to Washington DC on the honor flight accompanied by his sons John and Jess and Fred Cullett . He laid the wreath at the unknown soldiers grave. They honored him everywhere he went.
   He loved his wife of 34 years Cookie, he loved his children, numerous grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He also loved their three dogs, Wrinkles, Tubbs and his beloved Stella. He was deeply loved and therefore he is deeply missed. Even after 96 years old, the love for him goes on. He was most of all a friend, a Dad and a wonderful caring husband .
   Surviving:
Dearly loved wife Cookie Cullett
Children:
John Cullett-wife, Lisa
Geneva Rabern- Husband Ted
Jeffrey Cullett-Wife,Shelly
Jesse Cullett-Wife, Tammie
Jacqueline Mills-Price-Husband ( Phil
                               Preceded in death)          Fred Cullett-Wife, April

Karen DuBois-Husband-Pete
Tommy Rizzo

 grandchildren and great grandchildren.

John’s lovely wife Cookie  and children invite friends and family to a celebration of  life.
Potluck/ finger foods or  appetizers  on June 28 from 12 o’clock to 3 o’clock. At 607 Eakins Rd., Azalea, OR. Home of Fred and April.

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