Robert Kenneth Curlee Sr.

Robert Kenneth Curlee, 83, died peacefully at home on March 6, 2016. Bob was an engineer with Texas Instruments when that company revolutionized computing with the invention of the integrated circuit, paving the way for personal computers and hand-held smart phones. A devoted son, brother, husband, father and grandfather, Bob was also an avid Texas Tech fan, arts enthusiast, craftsman, world traveler, stalwart puzzler and lifelong Boy Scout.

Bob was born June 26, 1932, in Schenectady, New York, the second of three children born to Neil James and Virginia Brown Curlee. His father worked for General Electric and the family lived in various small towns throughout New England. Bob explored the outdoors with Troop 71, ice skated on Brewster’s Pond in Stratford, Conn. and played football at Roger Ludlowe High School in Fairfield, Conn. His mother encouraged her quiet middle child to paint and write poetry, and his father taught him how to build furniture.

Bob earned his B.S. in industrial engineering in 1954 from Lehigh University, where he pledged Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He earned his MBA from Texas Tech University in 1978. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as a member of the Counterintelligence Corps. Military service brought him to San Antonio, Texas, where he found fellowship and his future wife in the Corral Youth Group at First Presbyterian Church. He married Carol Ann Cron in 1956 and they had four children. Together they built a life centered on faith, family and service – and they made sure their children had a lot of fun, too. The family made many road trips in their gold Buick station wagon to family gatherings in Texas, Colorado and Kentucky, ensuring their children forged close friendships with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins that nurture them to this day.

Bob joined Texas Instruments in Dallas, Texas in 1956 and held various positions in domestic and international material management, sales and quality control. After retiring he continued to consult with vendors in Japan and Hong Kong. The Curlee family moved to Lubbock in 1973. Bob twice served as an elder of Westminster Presbyterian Church and participated in the church’s Stephen ministry. He volunteered as a board member (2001-07) and treasurer (2002-06) of the Lubbock chapter of the Red Cross. Bob also was a member of the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) from 2001-08. He continued to lead in the Boy Scouts, serving as chartered organizational representative and treasurer of Troop 536. He was recognized with scouting’s highest honor, the Silver Beaver Award, in 2013. Bob also found time to handcraft toys and furniture for his family.

Bob and Carole have been residents of Carillon LifeCare Community since 2009. He will be remembered for his steadfast devotion to Carol as her mind clouded with dementia. The family is deeply grateful to the Carillon staff, especially the nurses and aides in the memory care unit, for their loving support of both Carol and Bob.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Neil, and niece Mary Barbara Curlee. Survivors include Carol, his beloved wife of 59 years; son Bob and wife Neva of Ruidoso, N.M.; daughter Kaye and husband Will Ford of Lubbock; son Bruce and wife Julann of Lubbock; daughter Kendall and husband Chaim Good-man-Strauss of Fayetteville, Ark.; grandchildren Kayla, Krista, Brianne, Neil, Zoe, and Eli; sister Annie and husband Jim Krach of Duarte, Calif.; beloved in-laws Charlotte and Jerry Campbell of Houston, Texas; 11 nieces and nephews; and many friends. He will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 10, 2016 from 4 to 6 pm in Resthaven Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held Friday, March 11 at 2 pm in Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Memorials can be made to Boy Scout Troop 536 c/o Westminster Presbyterian, 3321 33rd St., Lubbock, Texas 79410 or to the Carillon Foundation (Alzheimer Care & Rediscovery Center Fund) at carillonlubbock.com. Condolences may be offered at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Lubbock, TX.