Lake Maxinkuckee Its Intrigue History & Genealogy Culver, Marshall, Indiana

Donald M. Stubbs



Culver - Donald M. Stubbs, 80, of Culver , passed away peacefully at 10:13 PM on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013, while a resident at Miller's Merry Manor, Culver , IN.

Donald was born on Sept 27, 1932, to Carl and Laura (Shaw) in Argos, IN. On October 3, 1957, he was married to Betty L. Van Asdall at the Knox United Methodist Church. She preceded him in death on Sept. 12, 2001.

Donald was the owner and operator of Stubbs Trucking & Excavating for 60 years prior to becoming ill in 2009. His wife, Betty, assisted in the operation of the business until she passed away.

He had several health concerns while attending Culver Elementary and Jr. High School. At the age of 16, Floyd Annis, high school principal, recommended that his parents withdraw him from school and find a trade that he co uld develop and apply his time to. He worked for area farmers making hay and driving tractors while in school. He worked for Art and Judd Dillion for several years. When he turned 16 he went to work with Allen Weaver driving the loaded ma ul trucks out of the bog a rea then parking them next to the public roads where Allen then delivered the loads to his customers. These three men were very instrumental in teaching him the use of farm and heavy equipment, as well as good and respected business operations.

His parents and W.O. Osborn, State Exchange Bank President, helped secure funding to start his very own business at the age of 17.

Donald was very instrumental in changing the landscape in and around Culver , as well as the surrounding communities. He excavated the wetlands and created the channels located in Venetian Village, laid stone and riff-raff sea walls around Lake Maxinkuckee, excavated several houses and businesses, removed fuel and oil storage tanks, and excavated land and several properties for new development. He was contracted by the Culver Educational Foundation on several occasions to assist with development.

He was always willing to help the youth in Culver . He was a supporter of the Union Township 4-H livestock buyers group and a Culver Little League sponsor. He excavated, graded, and donated dirt for the development of the Culver Little League diamond under the direction and brainstorming of Alvin Triplet. He employed many young men to assist with his daily operations. For most, it was their first hard laboring job.

Donald was a former member of the Culver -Union Township Volunteer Fire Dept. for 40 years, retiring as Captain, the Culver Eagle Lodge, and Antique Tuggers (tractors) of Indiana. He was a member of Maxinkuckee I.O.O.F Lodge and Plymouth-KiIwinning Free Masonic Lodge. He was honored as the Citizen of the Year by the Culver Eagles and received the Tuggers Sportsmanship award. He enjoyed collecting Indian artifacts, Civil War history, wildlife protection, and participating in the antique tractor p ulls.

He respected wildlife and developed land adjoining his property, dedicating it to the wildlife passing through the area.

He had an extensive Indian artifacts collection which he donated to the Antiquarian Society in 2009. Donald's knowledge of the local community, county, and surrounding area was respected by all who came in contact with him.

He is survived by his sister, Marlene (Richard) Shoddy of Culver ; son, Rodney L. (Jeanette) Stubbs of Clyde, TX; grandchildren, Rodney W "Junior" (Jennifer) Stubbs of Culver , Ethan and Betty D. Stubbs of Clyde TX; great-grandchildren, Destiny and Leland Stubbs; step-great-grandchildren, Logan, Matthew and Brandon; several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, grandson, Heath Adam Stubbs, brother, William L Stubbs, and his parents, Carl and Laura (Shaw) Stubbs, who preceded him in 1993 and 1974 respectively.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 3, 2013, from 4 - 8 PM at the Odom Funeral in Culver . Rev. Jacob Juncker will officiate funeral services at the funeral home on Thursday, April 4, 2013, at 11 AM, with visitation one hour before the services.

Interment will follow at the Culver Masonic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Culver -Union Twp. Volunteer Fire Department.

Condolences may be sent to the family via the obituary page at www.odomfuneralhome.com.

The Odom Funeral Home, Culver , is in charge of arrangements.


Published in
South Bend Tribune on April 2, 2013
Rochester sentienl on April 2, 2013