Don L. Curtis

Dr. Don L Curtis, 89, former Mayor of Marietta, Ohio recently passed away in Columbus, Ohio. He was born in 1926 in Marietta to Carl and Elsie Becker Curtis. After graduating from Marietta High School in 1944, he served in the United States Navy as a Navy Air crewman during World War ll. In 1947 he married Mary Louise June, Marietta High School class of 1945. He attended Marietta College and The Ohio State University where he graduated with a Doctor of Optometry degree.

Upon returning to Marietta, Don began practicing optometry. While also being civic minded he got involved in his community first as Township Clerk. He was later elected and reelected Mayor of Marietta from 1958-1965. He served on the Marietta City Board of Health, the Marietta and Washington County Planning Commissions. He was a member of the American Legion, Masonic Lodge, Lions Club, St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, The T.B and Health Association, Rotary, Ohio Mayors Association and the Republican Executive Committee.

He continued his optometric practice for over 40 years. He was president of the Ohio Optometric Association, was a member of the American Optometric Association and The Ohio State College of Optometry Alumni Association. He was Vice President of the Better Vision Institute, and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Vision Service Plan of Ohio.

During leisure times, Don loved to listen to classical music and opera, play tennis, golf, travel and spend time with family. For almost 20 years he wintered in Venice Florida with friends and family.

In 1999, Don and Mary moved to Columbus to be closer to their children, though Marietta was their hearts’ home.

Don was preceded in death by his wife Mary of 53 years, his parents, his brother Gene, and son in law Eldon Ziegler. He is survived by his wife Ann Katherine deVries, his children Martha Gleckler (Gary), Marilyn Ziegler (Mike), Donna Curtis (Sherry), Steven Curtis (Elizabeth), eleven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, his sister in law Mary Lou Curtis, nieces, nephews and stepchildren Dave deVries (Kristy) and Cindy Ayers (Kurt) and their families.

Visitation will be held Sunday 2:00pm – 4:00pm at the SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON CHAPEL 6699 North High Street, Worthington, Ohio where a service will follow at 4:00pm. Graveside services will be held Monday 1:00pm at Mound Cemetery, Marietta, Ohio. Visit www.schoedinger.com to send online condolences to the family.