Monte J. McCullough

Lt. Col. Monte J. McCullough, U.S. Army (Ret.), 81, passed on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 after an extended illness.

Monte McCullough grew up in Greencastle and graduated from Greencastle High School. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he would serve for 20 years, two months and six days.

His drive and focus in the Army earned him a fast promotion to E-5 sergeant in 1961. Upon achieving this rank, he applied and was accepted into Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Benning, Ga. He graduated from OCS and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He worked his way up to being promoted to major in 1973.

Decorations include the following: Air Medal, Bronze Star, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Expert Rifle and Pistol, two times-earned Good Conduct Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Expert Infantry Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Republic of Vietnam Staff Service Medal (1st Class), Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal, Master Parachutist Badge, Vietnam Jump Wings and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm.

Training includes the following: Infantry officers’ and advanced officers’ schools, Airborne, Jungle Operations, Ranger, Special Forces and Language School with a degree in Spanish, in addition to earning a bachelor’s degree while on active duty.

Some of his assigned military bases of service were Alaska, three tours in Vietnam (first tour with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, two tours with the 5th Special Forces Group), Fort Campbell, Panama, Fort Bragg, Fort Benning and Fort Gordon.

In 1973, the Army was reducing its officer corps, known as a RIF (reduction in forces). As a major, he experienced this reduction. Due to his understanding of Army regulations, which stated that since he had a continuous career with no break in service, he was one of only a few military personnel who were able to continue in the Army on active duty at his prior enlisted rank of E-5 sergeant and simultaneously continue his officer’s rank of major in the Army Reserve. He wore two hats: E-5 sergeant Monday through Friday and major on the weekends of reserve drill. He continued this dual role until his promotion in January 1981 in the Army Reserve to lieutenant colonel. At that time, he went back to active duty as a lieutenant colonel. Twelve months later he applied for and was granted retirement as a lieutenant colonel in 1981.

After retiring, he relocated to Muncie to attend Ball State University to work on a master’s degree. During his early time in Muncie, he met two young couples, Dave and Lisa Ferguson (children Elyssa, Erynne and Eliott) and Kelly and Danielle Keihn (children Nathaniel, Nicholas and Cecily), and became part of their families. He was totally devoted to each family, becoming a surrogate brother, uncle, mentor and friend. He attended every one of the children’s sports events, school functions, pageants, fundraisers and graduations. He was often the babysitter, chauffeur, house sitter or just a friend to listen and share advice.

He was known to our children and their friends as Uncle Monte. Often when the families were having a family get-together or extended family event, other family members would ask if Monte was invited. Sometimes it seemed as though if he was not (which he was always one of the first on the guest list), the family member was not going to attend either. The extended families wanted to be with him, especially the ones who served in the armed forces. During extended family functions, he had a knack for inspiring family members who had served in the military to talk openly about their experiences. Sitting back and listening to our brothers, grandfathers and uncles discuss their military experiences with him was a true education that we did not receive in the classroom.

Monte McCullough lived in Muncie for 40 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lorena McCullough, in 2003 and 2001, respectively.

He was an only child and never married.

Visitation will be Saturday, June 12 from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., followed by services at Bittles & Hurt Funeral Home, 602 E. Washington St., Greencastle IN 46135.

Memories may be shared with the family at www.Bittlesandhurt.com.