Thomas Culala

THOMAS S. CULALA, age 59, passed away on December 29, 2007, surrounded by his family. A Celebration of his Life will be held on Friday, January 4, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel of Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 14275 S. Blackbob Rd., Olathe, where the family will receive friends an hour prior to service time. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Tom's memory, contributions may be given to Cypress Recovery Inc., 230 S. Kansas Avenue, Olathe, KS 66061 (a non-profit organization).

Tom and his wife, Debbie, co-founded Cypress Recovery Incorporated in March of 1989. Their dream of supporting those suffering from substance abuse, and giving them "a chance for a lifetime" has become a reality in the lives they have touched. Tom's passion for his family, work, auctions, and friends, was evidenced in his charismatic and caring spirit.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie and their children: Aaron, Tera, Kristen, Heidi, Kari, Bo, Stephanie, and Scott, grandchildren: Adrienne, Taylor, Tanner, Jena, Tatum, Lauren, Ayden, and Olivia, his extended family members: Vickie, David, Doug, Mandy, Deric, and Mike. Family in California includes his brothers, Ben, Mikael, and Scott, sisters, Sarah and Annette, and his mother, Caroline.

"I have lived, I have loved, I AM loved."