Charles L. Curtiss, 61, concluded his battle with cancer May 6, 2013 at his home.
Charles was born on July 30, 1951 in Lawrence, Kansas, the son of Earl and Oma Lee (Coleman) Curtiss.
He served his country as an aircraft mechanic in the U.S. Air Force from 1970-73 completing tours of duty in Thailand, Alaska, Nova Scotia, and Labrador.
He was an employee of Hallmark Cards in Lawrence for 38 years, retiring in 2007.
Charles married Debra Nichols in 1983; they divorced in 1994.
He is survived by his mother, Oma Lee Curtiss, and brother, Richard (Bonnie) Curtiss all of Lawrence, brother Don (Brenda) Curtiss of Pocatello, ID, sister Alice (Richard) Clark of Eudora, and brother Joe (Susan) Curtiss of Ellinwood, KS, son Richie (Susan) Curtiss of Oklahoma City, OK, daughter Kim Curtiss of Lawrence, and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Earl Curtiss.
Charles was intensely interested in genealogy tracing his own family back hundreds of years and also providing family trees to countless friends and relatives. His kind and generous spirit was known by all who let him enter their lives.
Funeral will take place at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 10 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home with interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family invites friends and family to join them following the graveside service for food and fellowship at the East Lawrence Recreation Center, 1245 E. 15th Street.
Friends may call from noon – 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Charles L. Curtiss Memorial Fund administered by the Douglas County Community Foundation, to benefit those in need, or Grace Hospice, both in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.
Thanks for our many Curtiss Family conversations. I will try to push forward on the Curtiss Genealogy that we conspired to do together once you were well again. I will miss those conversations and your endless knowledge.
Rest in Peace Charlie, Bill
curtiss family-
We were sure sorry to read about Charlies passing. We dident know he had cancer. Its been a year since we lost Tim. I remember how much fun they all had playing on harper street. Bob is out of town and we wont be able to be at his service. Our thoughts are with you all- love Don & Norma Baxter
curtiss family-
My deepest condolences to the Curtiss family.
Charlie and the other boys grew up with my brother (Sonny) and I on Harper/Powers. Those were the days that memories were made of.
I hope that you find peace and comfort from your memories of Charlie.
Connie Laughlin Bishop
we were so saddened to hear about Charlie, he was a great co-worker and a lot of fun to be around. He will leave a void in the lives of those who knew him. Our prayers go out to his family.
Charley been great knowing you. Meeting you at our friends and being a great friend to many bless you and your family in this day of freedom a hard battle now you are at peace.
Charlie you were always a great friend and boy you, Donnie and Joe were great to hand out with. We had some good times. Thank you for being you. To your family: my sincere sympathy and sorry for your loss.
I also retired from Hallmark and Charles was a great friend. There will be a big loss for both family and friends. Our family’s go back to the first grade, where Richard and I were the only ones in our class.
May God help you during your loss.
Our deepest sympathy to the Curtiss family. We met Earl many, many years ago, when he attended the funeral of Garry’s Uncle Bob Curtis. He explained how we are related. Years later, when I began researching the Curtis(s) family, I came in contact with Charlie. We have emailed many many times over the years and met at the Kansas State Historical Library in Topeka and we treated Charlie to lunch. We had a great time. I will truly miss him. He was kind and polite and not only a relative, but a friend. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Elaine & Garry Neel
Joe: Paula and I want to send you our sincere condolences. Both you and Susan are in our thoughts and prayers. Eldon and Paula
Rest in peace my Dear Cousin. I will miss you so much. I will treasure all the wonderful times we had at aunt Earlines. My prayers go out to the family. Love all of you and God bless you. Jean
My thoughts and prayers go out to Charlie and his family.He was a great friend and a great co worker. He will be missed by so many. He gave cancer one heck of a fight,he had such high hopes of winning his battle, I wished he had of. He is now pain free. RIP Charlie
I have such wonderful memories of my childhood and they all include the Curtiss family. What wonderful next door neighbors we had! And Charlie you were always such a wonderful “big brother” to me. You will be missed terribly and I am most thankful you are not in pain anymore. Rest in Peace Charlie. Much love, Shari
One hell of a journey Charlie! You inspired a lot of people along the way. Love you and the memories you have left behind. May peace be with your family as it is with you. Our four mile walk will seem a lot longer now without you. Spread your wings and give us the lift we need………..
Are you at NASCAR, enjoying racing?????? Thank you for the many memories Charlie….you made us laugh……you made us cry……blessed with your enjoyment for music….. you made us reflect on who we are through your genealogy. Love you…. Thanks for the memories….. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family….
Rest in Peace Charlie!!! Had a lot of great times hanging out with you!!! My deepest condolences to the family!!!
Thoughts and prayers are with the family. You fought the good fight, Charlie, now it is your time to rest.
Charlie will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Oma Lee and family – I can not put into words how much Charlie,you and Earl meant to us. Charlie was the instrument that got the Hazel geneology compiled and it would be impossible to express our deepest gratitude. We will certainly miss him. Joe and certainly enjoyed our time together. May you and your family enjoy the wonderful legacy he left. God bless you!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. You can rest in peace now and always
Old friend rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Rob