Earl Nathan Curtis was born September 23, 1935, in New Madrid, Missouri. He was the son of Woodrow Curtis and Ruby Ellen Smith Curtis.
He departed this life at his home in Caruthersville, Missouri, surrounded by his family, on July 26, 2021. He was 85 years old.
Earl graduated from Marston High School in 1954.
On July 27, 1957, in Caruthersville, Missouri he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Bonita Burrus. They were married one day short of 64 years.
In 1960, Earl and Mr. Sanford Bolin opened B&C Lumber Company. Earl and Bonita closed the business after 57 years so they could retire. Countless customers came to B&C not only to buy building supplies but also to receive advice or encouragement from Earl.
Earl loved gardening. He cherished the time that he spent hunting on the family farm with his sons and grandsons. He kept up with his "old" classmates from Marston and loved going back to class reunions.
In 1973, Earl became a member of the Church of the Nazarene. Not only did he become a member but he became a very active member. Probably the only job he never had was that of piano player! Years later the congregation became known as the Caruthersville Community Church.
He is survived by four children: Lisa Curtis, Michael Curtis (Tammy), Kevin Curtis (Laurie), & Rhonda Gardner (Tim); 13 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren; one brother-in-law: Mack Burrus; one sister-in-law: Norma Burrus; and other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services were held July 29, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. in the H.S. Smith Chapel with Rev. Dave Lewelling, Rev. John Stepp, and Rev. Dennis Lemonds officiating. Interment in Little Prairie Cemetery.
Pall bearers: Ben Baker, Jim Young, Donnie Green, Tommy Day, Speedy Powell, Darryl Grooms
Honorary pall bearers: Barry Richardson, Sr., Jerry Hayes, Bernard Hayes, Kyle Moore, Dale Gunnels.
H.S. Smith Funeral Home in charge of services.
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