1954-2026
LaVerne " Verne" McCullough, born October 1, 1954, to Frank McCullough Sr. & Lillian McCullough, who survive, passed peacefully in the presence of family, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital after a lengthy illness.
Verne was an avid sports fan and loved cheering on The Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns. Gifted athletically, he had a passion for running. He was well known for his unique ability to run backward and often described as moving with the speed of lightning.
He was a 1973 graduate of Bellefontaine Senior High School and furthered his education at Cedarville Bible College and The Ohio State University. He earned an associate's degree in psychology and sociology. Verne enjoyed reading and found pleasure in reading the Holy Bible from beginning to end several times. He spent many years involved in ministry and served as an associate minister at Auburn Avenue Baptist Church. He loved the Lord and, until his dying days, professed his faith in The Lord Jesus Christ.
Verne established his own painting business, which was a craft he took great pride in. He was also a devoted member of the recovery community and freely shared his experience to support others. He loved eating Chinese or having breakfast food for any meal and had a special appreciation for Thai cuisine. Above all, he cherished his family, whose love and companionship were the center of his life.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Tonia; his children, Malonda (Corey) Johnson of Portsmouth, Ohio, Tyler Hill of Cleveland, Ohio, Jeffery Rollins of Bellefontaine, Ohio, Jasmine Johnson of Columbus, Ohio, Iesha (Greg) Robinson of Urbana, Ohio, Kane (Linsey) Kuhn of Lewistown, Ohio, Jordan McCullough of Bellefontaine, Ohio, and Jason (Grace) McCullough of East Liberty, Ohio; his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly, Avayah, Adilyn, Keaton, Aurora, Zayden, Anthony, Ezekiel, Zayla, Zeriah, Axtan and Zenia; siblings, Virgie McCullough of Detroit, Michigan, Frank McCullough Jr. of Highland Park, Michigan, and Daisy (Larry) Artis of Bellefontaine, Ohio; mother-in-law, Sandy Lee of Bellefontaine, Ohio; sister-in-law, Misty (James) Lethcoe of Bellefontaine, Ohio; and aunt, Ruthie Turner of Georgia, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by sister, Ruby (William) Robinson; brother, Joe L. McCullough; sister-in-law, Maxine McCullough; brother-in-law, James Simpson; father-in-law, Jeffrey Lee; son, Jermaine E. Artis; and daughter, Ebony McCullough.
Special thank you to OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, OhioHealth Hospice Care, The Ohio State University Wexner Center, Arlington Court/Sapphire Rehabilitation Care Center, Crown Pointe Care Center, OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital, SOMC Cancer Center, Mary Rutan Hospital, Mary Rutan Cancer Society, and other caregivers, daughter, Malonda; sister, Daisy; and friend, Sue Ratleff (Tony) Wilson.
Pastor Settle W. Townsend, Jr. will officiate a funeral service on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 10:00 am in the Christ Our King Church, 1325 Co. Rd. 9, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Saturday, from 9 am to 10 am. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Cemetery, West Liberty.
EICHHOLTZ & DARING FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTER, BELLEFONTAINE, is honored to serve the McCullough family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.eichholtzdaring.com
