Lawrence Morrow Cullum

Lawrence Cullum Obituary

Lawrence Morrow Cullum, departed this world the night of September 11, 2019 under a full moon and surrounded by family. He was 78 years old.

Larry is survived by his wife Luisa, four sons, eight grandchildren, and sister Carol. He will be missed by them and many other family members and friends.

Larry Cullum was a man of great love, but nothing and no one was dearer to him than Luisa, together they had four boys, Dan, Juan, Brian, and Zac, and several generations of quirky mountain dogs. Larry and Luisa recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, during which time they renewed their vows in front of their, now much larger, family, including daughters-in-law Laurie, Allisen, and Morgan, and grandchildren Alaysia, Sienna, Finn, Elliott, Andrea, Santiago, Caleb and Marcus, along with Dulce, the family beagle.

For the boys, growing up, their lives were marked by trips to ski and raft around the southwest, family vacations, scuba diving, backpacking trips through the Colorado mountains, and regular visits to family in New Mexico. As the boys grew older those adventures became bigger and grander, nurtured by the encouragement of their mother and father to see the world. Larry's proudest moments were talking about their accomplishments. He loved the men they had grown into, the fathers they had become, but most of all he loved their friendship.

He loved nature and everything in it, so much so that in the early 1970's he bought an area of land at the top of a mountain and built his home there. This is the home where he and Luisa raised their four boys, and provided temporary shelter to a few friends and relatives who made the house their home along the way.

Larry was an accomplished OB/GYN doctor who for many locals, was the first face they ever saw and the first hug they ever received. OB nurses around the city may fondly, or depending on taste not so fondly, remember the urgency of hitting play on an old cassette player and keeping the likes of "Country Roads" playing as soon as one of Dr. Cullum's patients entered the delivery room.

A history buff, Larry knew all the stories behind ancient civilizations and could describe the histories leading up to current events with detail and enthusiasm. He had countless books on World War II, for which he was particularly fascinated. He most certainly would have remarked how interesting it is that he should pass on September 11. As a family, the day now carries another meaning. We will never forget the man who wandered away from the dining room table to play a Mexican ballad on his guitar, who would don a pair of overalls and head out to chop wood to unwind, or who would insist on hacking away at the scrub oak in the middle of a hot July day despite anyone's protests. He was a good one, and one not soon to be forgotten.

Larry Cullum was a sentimental man and remembered the people in his life with natural markers that would catch him by surprise, as a reminder they were still there. He would look at a beautiful sunset and remember his mother. He would see a sliver of the moon and think of Luisa's mother. His family will never see a full moon without thinking of Larry, and we invite you all to do the same.

The family is grateful for the outreach and support they've received in these first few days after his passing. They look forward to remembering Larry with friends and family at a celebration of life to be announced at a later date. Lawrence Morrow Cullum

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Durango Herald on Sep. 16, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence Cullum

18 Entries

Dianne (Pacheco) Van Voorhees

April 25, 2023

Dear Luisa, Dan, Juan, Brian, and Zac-

I did not know until today that Larry had passed. Even though it has been a few years, I wanted to send my condolences. He helped to raise wonderful children and left a significant and positive impact. I admire and appreciate the effort he made to improve the world for others. May we all try. Sending love and hugs.
Dianne

October 16, 2019

I just found out today about Larry's passing and I want to express my sincere condolences. I fondly remember him watching every Cullum brother soccer game with love and admiration.
Yours, Brian Burke

September 28, 2019

So sorry to hear this news. Sending light and love to the family. From an old neighbor at Sailing Hawks with wonderful memories even after all the years, Geoff Wolf

September 27, 2019

We are shocked and saddened. We now live in the Denver area, but sent warm hugs to the Cullums.

Rey & Susan Martinez

Kathy Rousset

September 21, 2019

Luisa, you and Larry truly changed the direction of my life! From offering the first LaMaze classes in the region to loving friendship and support, you were an awesome team! I know Larry's unbridled enthusiasm for all of life will continue to shine in each of us he touched.

September 21, 2019

Dear Luisa and Family,
We were saddened to read of Larry's passing. He was a great doctor and a compassionate, wonderful human being. One of our fondest memories of Larry is the day we took our dog down to the river north of 32nd street in the 1980s. All of a sudden we saw a couple of dogs swimming down the middle of the river by themselves and we thought, "What the heck?!". But from around the bend came Larry in an inner tube with a couple of kids, all laughing and waving. It was so funny! Everyone was having such a good time. We still laugh about it to this day. Larry was a joyous soul. Durango truly lost a legend. May you all find peace. God bless you. As we Greeks say, "May his memory be eternal".
J.D. and Christina Browning

September 20, 2019

Dear Luisa & Family............we are the family who started a house below yours but sold before completion. I worked at Community Hospital as Mike Lawler's secretary and secretary to the Board of Directors. This was sent to us in NC from the Tarpley family who are dear friends.
We were so sad to hear he has passed. Such fond memories watching your house being built and seeing the final outcome. All the nurses loved Larry.........he was always upbeat, a visionary in his field and a very gentle soul.
We were sad to leave Durango but job opportunities took us to several countries. We recently moved from Florida to a retirement community in NC as this is where 3 of our children and grandchildren live. We feel blessed to be near family.
Just know you are in our thoughts.
Sincerely,
Dave n Sonnie Nird

Eileen Stastny

September 19, 2019

With love...

September 19, 2019

I am truly saddened by such a great loss...Our hearts go out to Loisa, sons, family and all who he touched their lives...Dr Cullum brought both our boys into to this world...With great heartache may you soar with the angels...

With all our love,

Mike, Eileen, TJ and Trey Stastny

Anita Cohen

September 18, 2019

I remember Larry as a neighbor of many years living on the mountain where he and Luisa raised their family. A man willing to share his knowledge of the town, the neighborhood and the history of the home I live in. I remember chasing after his dog Dulce as she ran off with work gloves I foolishly left outside. We all had a good laugh over that. Larry was a true gentleman who will be missed by many. My condolences to Luisa and his sons.
Anita Cohen

Ida Bradley

September 17, 2019

I will remember you as a very dear friend. Rest In Peace, your work on earth is done, you have earned your special spot in Heaven, my friend. My condolences to Luisa and your children.

Lloyd Percell

September 17, 2019

Dr Cullum delivered all three of my children who are now in their 40's. I do pleasantly remember "Country Roads". My heart goes out to the family, but the memories bring a smile. God bless each of you in your grief.

September 17, 2019

Luisa and Family, you are in our thoughts and prayers, May the wonderful memories never leave you and may you all have God's Peace. Love Roger and Mary Miller

September 16, 2019

Dr. Cullum was a gentle man who made a difference to so many. My eyes weep for his family and friends. Bless Larry and all of his good works. He gave me strength when I was in need. May the angels care for him gently.
Sweetie Marbury

Crystal Lammon

September 16, 2019

My heart is sad with this news. Dr. Cullum was the best doctor I've ever had in my life! He made me feel safe and secure at a very young age and delivered my first son. In fact I asked him to induce my labor as he was going on vacation during my due date and I couldn't imagine another doctor delivering my baby and he of course granted my request! He gave the best hugs EVER and made me smile at every visit. He touched my life as well as many others! Rest in peace Dr. Cullum you will be missed dearly!

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