David Robert Culver, Longtime ODOT Worker and Community Volunteer, Dies at 76

Culver was a dedicated public servant and active member of the Sisters, Oregon community.

Mar. 4, 2026 at 12:00am

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David Culver, a longtime employee of the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and active volunteer in the Sisters, Oregon community, has passed away at the age of 76. Culver served in the Army during the Vietnam War and later worked for ODOT, retiring in 2003 but continuing to work winters plowing snow, a job he loved. He was heavily involved in the local church, fire department, and ham radio groups, and was a proud American who enjoyed outdoor activities like fishing and hunting with his family.

Why it matters

Culver's passing marks the loss of a dedicated public servant and community leader in the small town of Sisters, Oregon. His lifelong commitment to public service, volunteerism, and love of the outdoors made him a beloved figure in the local community.

The details

Culver was born in Eugene, Oregon in 1949 and graduated from Sheldon High School in 1967. He went on to earn a law enforcement degree from Lane Community College and served in the Army during the Vietnam War. After being discharged, he returned to Lane Community College to get a social science degree, where he met his wife of 52 years, Janet Flicker. Culver worked for ODOT in Eugene before transferring to Sisters in 1979, a job he held until retiring in 2003, though he continued working winters plowing snow, a task he took great pride in. Culver was heavily involved in the local community, serving as a volunteer firefighter for 12 years, a member of the Sisters Church of the Nazarene, and belonging to several ham radio groups. He was also a member of the VFW and Sisters Band of Brothers.

  • Culver was born on May 4, 1949.
  • He graduated from Sheldon High School in 1967.
  • Culver served in the Army during the Vietnam War.
  • He transferred to work for ODOT in Sisters in 1979.
  • Culver retired from ODOT in 2003, but continued working winters plowing snow.
  • Culver passed away on January 29, 2026.

The players

David Culver

A longtime ODOT employee and active community volunteer in Sisters, Oregon who passed away at the age of 76.

Janet Flicker

Culver's wife of 52 years, whom he met while attending Lane Community College.

Robert Dale and Mary Eva Culver

Culver's parents, who he was born to in Eugene, Oregon.

VFW Post 8138

The local Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Sisters, Oregon that Culver was a member of.

Sisters Church of the Nazarene

The church in Sisters, Oregon where Culver was a member and helped build the church building.

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What they’re saying

“David was a dedicated public servant and beloved member of the Sisters community. His lifelong commitment to service and love of the outdoors will be deeply missed.”

— Janet Flicker, Culver's Wife

What’s next

A Celebration of Life service for David Culver will be held at the Sisters Church of the Nazarene on Saturday, March 21 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to VFW Post 8138 in Sisters, Oregon.

The takeaway

David Culver's passing marks the loss of a true community pillar in Sisters, Oregon. His decades of public service, volunteerism, and active involvement in local organizations left a lasting impact on the small town he called home. Culver's life exemplified the values of duty, service, and love of the outdoors that are so central to the Sisters community.