Landon R. Curlee

“Curlee” was born 10-22-1935 in Abilene Texas and began his new journey into Grace on 4-20-2016 in Phoenix Arizona. Twice retired, from the United States Air Force (22 years) and the City of Riverside, California, Curlee moved to Payson in 1988. There he began his third career of caregiving and maintenance/ handyman to residents of the city. He is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Darlene, his two sisters, Doris Coonce (Odessa, Texas) and Jeanine Acker (Monahans, Texas), his three daughters, Debbie and husband Gerard Domack of Phoenix, Michelle and husband Lanny Benson of Phoenix, and Lani and husband Tom Napoli from Orange County, California. He also leaves a legacy of 7 grandchildren, Landon Benson (wife, Lindsay), Ryan Benson (wife, Melissa), Melissa Smith (husband, Travis), JuAnne Codding (husband, Jason), Trey, Kim, and Courtney Napoli. He was blessed to love on his 10 great-grandchildren Anthony, Peityn, and Major Codding, Wesson and Moxie Smith, Jay, Ryder, Luke, Ryelle, and Jack Benson. He loved his family so much and told everyone he met to go home and love their family – family was everything to Curlee.

Garage Sales were a hobby for Curlee; he was always looking for something someone might want or need and as a result he had at least one of everything and probably a spare or two, just in case! When you visited, you were always asked if there was anything you need, lawn mower, dresser, vacuum cleaner, BBQ, walker, wheel chair, you name it, he had it. Curlee had a sense of humor and desire for having fun that never quit, a good laugh was good for the soul. He loved sitting on his porch every day with his cat, waving at each passersby and catching up on the neighborhood news.

While in the Air Force, Curlee spent time in France, Greenland, Alaska, and Thailand. At the time of his retirement, he was stationed at March Air Force Base in Riverside California.

Curlee was known for having the ability to fix anything, grill the best steaks in town, reading or telling a touching story, and passing on a good joke. He will be sorely missed by his entire family. Until we meet again husband, brother, daddy, and Grandfather. We love you!

A Memorial Service to celebrate Curlee’s life will be held at 10:00 Friday morning 4/29 at Hope Chapel – 17417 N 63rd Avenue, Glendale AZ