Obituary of Mack Culp

Mack Culp was born February 19, 1944 in Durant, Mississippi, the youngest son and child of John and Mary Belle (Dean) Culp.  Mack attended Durant High School and Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale, Mississippi where he majored in Biology, based on his love of being challenged with the many discoveries the sciences offer. 

Mack moved to Waterloo, Iowa in 1967, with the well wishes of his mom,  who encouraged him to discover all that life has to offer.  Mack made the decision to join his sister, Ella Mae (John) Roby in Waterloo.  Mack married Bonetta Jean Vanarsdale on July 29 , 1969, also gaining two bonus daughters he embraced as his own.  They later divorced in 1978, remaining very good friends. Mack and Bonetta believed in making education a top priority with their children, persevering through challenges, and working hard to achieve their goals.  One of Mack’s favorite sayings to his children was “Don’t let nobody sell you any wooden nickels!”  They owned and operated M & B Barbeque on E. 4th Street in Waterloo, where he was well known in the community for his homemade barbeque sauce, selling it by the gallon.  

While an entrepreneur, Mack worked full-time for the City of Waterloo, where he ultimately retired from. Mack loved to go fishing, hunting wild game, and watching the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bulls on television .  He was a big fan of Hank Aaron, Roberto Clemente, Elgin Baylor, Michael Jordan, and Jim Brown.  Mack also loved riding his bike several miles each day, well into his late 70’s!

Mack leaves to cherish his four children: 3 daughters Adele Vanarsdale, Dr. Priscilla Culp, both of North Liberty, Iowa; Angela Vanarsdale of Waterloo, Iowa and 1 son, Curtis Culp of Waterloo, Iowa; one sister, Mable Holmes of Waterloo, Iowa; 6 Grandchildren; 3 Great-Grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.  

Mack is preceded in death by his parents John and Mary Belle Culp; 5 brothers; Willie, John, Frankie Lee, Jimmie Lee, Amos Paul; and 1 sister, Ella Mae Roby. 

Mack passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in Coralville.  There will be a time of sharing memories for Mack at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, July 25, 2025 at Gay and Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service.  Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the time of sharing.