David Andrew Culross, 52, of Ashland, Ohio, who died Saturday, August 15, 2009, developed numerous everyday products while working as a senior chemist in research and development at Abbott Labs in Ashland, Johnsonite Rubber in Middlefield, Ohio, and IER Fujikura in Macedonia, Ohio.Scouting was his passion. David was a scoutmaster for Boy Scouts of America High Adventure Troop 504 sponsored by Abbott and an assistant scoutmaster for Troop 454 sponsored by Leroy United Methodist Church in Westfield Center, Ohio. He had taken his scouts to Philmont Scout Ranch six times and Florida Sea Base once.
For many years, he volunteered his time to film all football and basketball games for Mapleton High School.
David was born June 24, 1957, in Kokomo, Ind., where he graduated from Taylor High School in 1975. He received a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from Purdue University in 1979.
He began his career as a polymer chemist at Firestone Tire, which became Bridgestone Tire, where he developed polymer industrial products for military and commercial tires.
In 1980, David joined Abbott Labs, where he led teams or participated in the development of products ranging from latex-free insulin closures and baby bottle nipples to the two-tone Stretch Armstrong action figure.
After 19 years at Abbott, David became the sole development chemist/engineer at Johnsonite Rubber, manufacturer of flooring and other products used in the architectural industry. He invented Triumph Sports Flooring, used in professional sports locker rooms and sports shops. He also identified and led the implementation of a solution to resolve a flooring yellowing problem that had cost the company over $250,000 in returned goods.
Since February 2008, David worked at IER Fujikura, which manufactures products for automotive, aerospace, food processing, industrial and medical applications. He led compound and process cost-reduction efforts that saved the company $43,000 in one year.
His own detailed account of his career as a chemist can be found at LinkedIn.
David and his wife, the former Sandra G. Moyers, would have celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary September 26, 2009.
In addition to his wife, survivors include four sons, Anthony, Justin, and Erik, all of Ashland, and Ryan at home; five brothers, Michel (Pam) of Friendsville, Tenn., Claude (Rita) of Baton Rouge, La., Mark (Rene) and Brian, both of Ft. Worth, Texas, and James (Marquita) of Buffalo, Ind.; and two sisters, Elizabeth (Frank) Kupec of Hurst, Texas, and Laura Culross- Blackmon of Arlington, Texas.
Other survivors include his two sisters-in-law and their husbands, Vivian (Omar) McGlone of Beaver Creek, Ohio, and Marda (Joel) Heiks of Seville, Ohio; brother-in-law and his wife, Robert (Peggy) Moyers of Ashland; a favorite aunt and uncle, Micheline (Clarence) Heaton and Joseph (Chris) Lubrano, both of Knoxville, Tenn.
His parents, David E. and Laurette (Lubrano-Lavadera) Culross, are deceased.
Visitation will be from 6-9 p.m. Friday, August 21, 2009, at Heyl Funeral Home, 227 Broad Street, Ashland, with 8:30 p.m. rosary service.
Family will also receive friends from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. funeral services Saturday, August 22, 2009, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 512 N. Main St., Wellington, Ohio, with Father James Reymann officiating. Burial will follow at Ashland County Memorial Park.
David was a Eucharistic minister, usher and Men’s Club member at St. Patrick’s.
Memorial contributions may be made to Manatoc Scout Reservation Great Trail Council, BSA, P.O. Box 68, Akron, OH 44309, or to the Culross family through the funeral home.
Condolences and more: www.HeylFuneralHome.com.
This obituary was originally posted on ObitsOhio.com on Aug.18, 2009.
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