William R. Curtis

Memorial services for William R. Curtis, 59, of Gilmer will be held 11:00 A.M, Friday, January 6, 2012, at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Longview with Reverend Scott Hookey officiating. Interment will be at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday January 7, at Riverview Memorial Cemetery in Arkansas City, Kansas under the direction of Croley Funeral Home-Gilmer. Mr. Curtis passed away on Tuesday, January 3, 2012, in Tyler. William R. Curtis was born on March 23, 1952 to Richard B. and Helen Brandt Curtis in Arkansas City, Kansas. He graduated from Arkansas City High School in 1970 and Pittsburg State University of Pittsburg, Kansas in 1976. On June 12, 1993, he married Joyce E. Klink in New Brighton, Pennsylvania. Mr. Curtis worked as a patternmaker for Southwest Steel Castings, Inc in Longview before his retirement in 2007 and he was a substitute teacher for Gilmer ISD for the past four years. Mr. Curtis was a member of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church of Longview, TX where he was and elder, past member of the Session, past youth group advisor, volunteer for Longview Interfaith Hospitality Network and involved with various other church activities. He also was involved with Upshur County Youth Baseball Association, Gilmer High School Choir Boosters, and enjoyed taking sideline photos at Buckeye football games, baseball games and many school functions. It was always "for the kids!!" He was also active for many years with Boy Scouts of America including Pack #314 of Gilmer, Texas, Scout Troop #620 of Longview and many East Texas Area Council Events. Mr. Curtis is survived by his wife, Joyce E. Klink Curtis of Gilmer; children, Robert A. Curtis and wife, Melony of Watertown, Tennessee, Samantha Keeler Friend and husband Michael of Freedom, Pennsylvania, Jeremy R. Keeler and wife Kristiana of Winnsboro, Texas, David R. Smith of Tyrone, Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Micah A. Curtis, Heaven L. Friend, Michaela D. Friend, Grace Ann Friend, Landon W. Keeler, Kryslin A. Keeler, Jackson O. Keeler, Josiah R. Keeler and Jeremiah D. Keeler. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Helen Curtis. Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 2500 McCann Rd, Longview, Texas 75605. The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 5 from 4:00 until 8:00 P.M. at Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer.