Bernard Kulp - Obituary

r. Bernard A. Kulp,Ph.D. (Age 90) On Sunday, February 23, 2014, Dr. Bernard A. Kulp of Ft. Washington, MD, beloved husband of Ruth Ann and loving father of Bernard (Catharine) Kulp, Jr., F. Peter Kulp, late James Kulp, John (Kris) Kulp, Marie Baker, Elizabeth (Fiancé Marc Stokes) Scheidegger, Matthew (Holly) Kulp, Karen Kulp, and Andrew (Dina) Kulp passed away at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center. He is also survived by 9 nieces and nephews – Rick Reynolds, Mary Beth Buresh, Joe Reynolds, Mike Reynolds, Sue Beman, Dave Little, Mike Little, Larry Little, Tom Little, 15 grandchildren – Matthew (Heather) Scheidegger, Bernard Kulp, III, Christina Kulp, Kayleigh (Jay) Munch, Kari (Fiancé Josh Marvel) Kulp, Rebecca Kulp, Lauren Scheidegger, Rosemary Kulp, Jennifer Kulp, Matthew Kulp, II, Bethany Scheidegger, Gregory Kulp, Grace Raby, Christopher Kulp, Ben Kulp - and 2 great-grandchildren – Troy and Andrew Scheidegger. Bernard Andrew Kulp was born on August 3, 1923 to Walter Charles Kulp and Elizabeth Marie (Schodorf) Kulp in Columbus, Ohio. Bernard was the second son, born after James Walter and before his sister Elizabeth Marie. Bernard graduated from St. Charles High School in Columbus and attended The Ohio State University before entering the Army in 1943. While in the Army, Bernard worked on the Manhattan Project participating in work essential in producing the Atom Bomb. He received an Honorable Discharge from the Army as a Technician Third Grade in 1946 and received the Good Conduct Medal, American Service Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. Bernard re-enlisted and the Army sent him to the University of Minnesota to study Electrical Engineering where he graduated with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering with high distinction in 1946. Bernard returned to The Ohio State University to receive his Master of Science in Physics in 1947. He worked as a Research Engineer at Carnegie-Illinois Steel Corporation in Chicago and Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus from 1947 to 1950. He then returned to The Ohio State University to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy Degree while continuing his work at Battelle. Bernard received an Honorable Discharge from the Army as a Sergeant in 1949. He was awarded a Ph.D. in Physics in 1955. Bernard met Ruth Ann Chappelear and fell in love. They married in September 1952 at St. Leo’s Church in a ceremony officiated by his brother Rev. James W. Kulp. Bernard was active in school and church affairs, was a scout master in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. He liked to work on cars and to build things. He played harmonica and steel guitar. He rode a motorcycle when he was in the Army. He played golf and tennis when he was younger before the family grew. He loved fishing in freshwater and saltwater. Dr. Kulp worked for many years and published numerous papers as a research scientist at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. He was asked to be the Chief Scientist at the Armament Development Laboratory at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida in 1969. In 1975, he was promoted to Chief Scientist for all of the Air Force Labs. Dr. Kulp retired in September 1986 as Chief Scientist, Scientific Advisory Service, Deputy Chief of Staff, Science and Technology, Headquarters Air Force System Command, Andrews Air Force Base after 31 years of distinguished service to the United States Air Force and to the nation. Relatives and friends are invited to Bernard’s Life Celebration at the GEORGE P.KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD on Friday, February 28 from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, March 1 at 11 am at St. Columba Catholic Church, 7800 Livingston Road, Oxon Hill, MD followed by interment at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Help CP .org, http://www.helpcp.org. Please sign the online guestbook.