Richard "Dickie" L. Culver, 72, of Laurel, died Sunday, December 16, 2007 at his home in Laurel, after a lengthy illness. He was born in Laurel on August 9, 1935, a son of the late Arba and Madelyn Hastings Culver. Dickie, as he was fondly known by family and friends, graduated from Laurel High School with the Class of 1953. He was a long time member of St. George's United Methodist Church. He retired in 2000 from farming but was still raising chickens for Mountaire Farms, which he had done for over 50 years. For several years he was the proud recipient of the DPI Outstanding Grower Award. He was an accomplished and talented woodworker who enjoyed making things for those he loved, many times crafting projects without a pattern. Mr. Culver was an avid collector of toys, model cars and model trains. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Dolores Elliott Culver; 3 sons, Rick Culver and his wife, Felicia of Laurel, Randy Culver and his wife, Becky of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Ron Culver and his wife, Melissa of Dagsboro; 7 grandchildren; 2 brothers, Alan Culver and his wife, Joyce, of Sorrento, FL and Albert Culver and his wife, Sheryl of Wilmington; and 2 sisters, Joan Hart and her husband, Wayne of Cannon, DE and Bonnie Culver of Seaford. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Bobby Culver. A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 21, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at Short Funeral Home, 13 E. Grove Street, Delmar, where family and friends may call from 12:00 to 2:00. The Reverend Barbara Auer will officiate. Interment will follow the service at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Laurel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the St. George's United Methodist Church, c/o Rick Culver, 28996 Discountland Road, Laurel, DE 19956. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.