Kelley Jean Curtiss, 87, passed away in Lawrence, KS, on February 5, 2017. Kelley was born on March 28, 1929, to Cleo and Naomi (Robinson) Curtiss of Hutchinson, KS. His beloved wife of 60 years, Eva Louise (Lawson) Curtiss, preceded him in death in 2013.
Kelley was raised in Hutchinson and graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1947. He received an associate degree from Hutchinson Community College and served four years in the Naval Reserve. Kelley worked in the family-owned paint store in Hutchinson and later in Colorado Springs. For many years he was a route man for Betts Bakery Rainbow Bread. He was also a sales representative for General Portland Cement, Machinery and Supply Co., Midwest Fly Ash, and LaFarge North America. During his career, the family lived in Hutchinson, Salina, Pittsburg, Topeka, and Guthrie, OK.
The most treasured gift Kelley shared with his family and friends was his love of music. A life-long member of the United Methodist Church, Kelley’s beautiful Irish tenor was heard in churches across Kansas. He was a choir director in Hutchinson and sang in the Messiah in Lindsborg. Also, he and Eva sang in the Country Spirit Band. The family often gathered at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, KS. In Guthrie, Kelley was a member of the Okie Dokie Banjo Band and helped found the Banjo Jazz Festival and the Banjo Hall of Fame. Kelley and Eva enjoyed dancing together throughout their marriage. In addition to music, Kelley loved sailing, fishing, and being with his family.
Kelley is survived by seven children, Ronald (Amelia) Curtiss of Guatemala City, GT; Cleon Curtiss of Colorado Springs, CO; Melody Curtiss (Jamie Beletz) of Washington, D.C.; Kelley (Myra) Curtiss of Colwich, KS; Kevin (Darcy) Curtiss of Kansas City, KS; Patrick (Martha Coffman) Curtiss of Lawrence, KS; and Lyric (Larry) Bartz of Lawrence, KS. His quirky humor will be particularly missed by his thirty-six grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. He also leaves behind two sisters, Patricia Trantham, Valley Center, KS, and Donna Adcock, McPherson, KS, as well as many nieces and nephews.
The family will gather for a private celebration of life that will include lots of singing, stories, and laughter.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 8th Ave. 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001.
I definitely meant so say Sincere
I give my most diverse condolences to this wonderful family. I realize what a lost losing him was Mr. Kelley was a wonderful person. I hope that the family will be able to get through the pain of losing him. I was truly blessed to have worked with him and his gracious family. Me Kelley, you will be and have been missed by me. Peace be unto the family.
Thank you Peoples National Bank for your donation to The Alzheimers Foundation in memory of my father. I appreciate it greatly.
I love my grandfather Kelly jean curtiss he was the best grandfather you could ever ask for this is his granddaughter sarah
I know there are no words to say to help ease your pain. And it’s hard to heal a heart that has been broken from the death of a loved one. But all the special memories you have of this very special man, I hope helps a little. Love and prayers to all of you, from your cousin Pam
Sincere Condolences To The Curtiss Family,
I hope you have peace, comfort and strength to face the days ahead. And loving cherish memories to carry you through this sad time. May, “the God of all comfort,” be with you and your family. 2 Corinthians 1:3. With Peace & Loving-Kindness,