Reverend Roger L. Culbertson, 77, former senior pastor of Defiance First Assembly of God died September 25, 2012 surrounded by his loving family at Laurel's Nursing Home. Roger Culbertson was born on January 6, 1935 to Lester and Gladys Culbertson of Wells, Minnesota.  Pursuing a ministerial calling, he graduated from North Central Bible College where he met his loving wife of 57 years.  Roger and Geraldine (Van Vorce) Culbertson were married on September 17, 1955 at Toledo First Assembly of God.

Roger began his pastoral ministry at Napoleon, Ohio in 1955 where he served for over 7 years. Then, he accepted the pastorate at Defiance where he continued his ministry for the next 38 years.  His ministry had several facets of outreach.  He wrote weekly articles for the Crescent News entitled the Parson's Pen.  His articles were also used nationally and internationally by other Christian publishers.  He was chosen to serve as a District appointed area youth director.  Roger went on three missions' trips to Haiti, Mexico and Russia.  While in Russia, he was on one of the early teams who were allowed to hand out Bibles in schools for the first time after the fall of the iron curtain.  Locally, Pastor Culbertson was involved with leading a campaign against pornography, served as Vice-President of the Defiance Historical Society, selection committee member for Defiance's City Hall of Fame, D.A.S.H. member, and Defiance Ministerial Association Member.

He is survived by his wife, Geraldine Culbertson of Defiance, Ohio; daughter, Marjorie (Garry) Teigland of Georgetown, Indiana; daughter Kathleen (Randy) Trowbridge of Delta, Ohio; daughter Sharon (Paul) Ellis of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.  He also leaves behind eight grandchildren Roger (Tammy) Trowbridge, Benjamin (Abby) Teigland, Sharon (Nate) Grenier; Rebekah (Peter) Riefstahl; Brita Teigland; Joshua Ellis, Jerilyn Ellis; Jenette Ellis, four great-grandchildren, sister, Lorna (Don) Wermedal of Wells, Minnesota, brother-in-law, Paul Scrabeck of Alden, Minnesota, and many other family and friends.  He was preceded in death by his father, Lester Culbertson and mother, Gladys (Tellett) Culbertson and his sister, Dorothy Scrabeck.

Friends may call 3:00 – 8:00 PM on Thursday, October 4, 2012 at the Hanenkrath- Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home, 529 Jefferson Street,  Defiance.  A "Going Home" celebration service remembering Roger's life will be held Friday at 11:00 AM at the Delta Assembly of God, 405 West Main Street, Delta.  Prior to service, visitation will take place at the church at 10:00 a.m.

Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.