James ‘Derill” Cullison, 78, passed away on Monday, September 28, 2026, at his home in rural Nevada, MO. Derill was born September 6, 1948, in Ft. Scott, KS, to James W. and Geraldine Mae (McWilliams) Cullison. He married Bonnie Elaine Bogart on July 11, 1978, in Miami, OK, and she survives of the home.
Derill grew up in Bronaugh and graduated from Bronaugh High School Class of 1966. During the early years of his adult life, Derill worked with Norval Potter as a mechanic, and later purchased the business and became the owner and operator of Derill’s 66 service station. During the later years of his working life, he delivered propane for Skelgas and MFA and later retired from MFA.
Throughout his life Derill, a lover of classic and muscle cars, enjoyed going to car shows and drag races at MOKAN and Topeka. He loved mowing, tinkering, and was a collector of many things. His greatest enjoyments were watching his grandchildren play and watching television with his animals by his side.
In addition to his wife Bonnie, he is survived by two children: a son, Darrin (Michelle) Cullison, Nevada, and a daughter, Amanda (Jeremy) Carter, Republic, MO; grandchildren, Morgan (Devin), Trenton, Nora, Layne, Riley, and Kaylee; great-grandchildren, Laklynn, Emmy, Ellie, Hazel, Iris, Angel, and Skylar; as well as one sister-in-law, Gloria Cullison of Nevada; nephew Zach Cullison and niece Allie Cullison. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, David Cullison.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., on Monday, October 5, 2026, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. In honor of Derill, the family requests that you wear your favorite racing, muscle car and/or classic car t-shirt.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bluff Cemetery and/or the Neighbors Center in care of Ferry Funeral Home.
#MidAmericaLive
