Captain Curtis Jack Bare Sr., USMC, Retired

Curtis grew up in Roanoke, VA and attended Andrew Lewis High School in Salem, VA where he joined the Marine Reserve in tenth grade. Once school was out, Curtis began working for J.F. Barber Construction for three summers.

In 1957, Curtis proudly joined the United States Marine Corps as a Seargeant at Cherry Point, NC as a jet mechanic, and later earned a bachelor's degree in Airport Management in 1977. While Curtis spent most of his time at Cherry Point, he did spend three years in Norfolk, VA and about seven years in tours of duty to Japan, Vietnam, Okinawa, and the Philippines. As a jet mechanic, the Aircrafts that Curtis worked on were F10, A4, F4, and A6. After serving 30 years in the USMC, Curtis retired as a Captain. Following his time in the military, Curtis began working at First Flight Federal Credit Union, where he stayed working for 15 years.

During Curtis' time in the USMC, he continued his education through several military schools for Jet Mechanic- Memphis, TN, Embarkation School- Little Creek, VA and Okinawa, AVN supply school Camp Jonson, NC. In addition, Curtis extended his learning by attending East Carolina University, Craven Community College, Los Angeles Community College (associate's degree), USAFI, and Southern Illinois University (bachelor's degree).

Not only did Curtis proudly serve his country, but he faithfully served his community. He was an active member of the Lions Club International as the Club President, District Governor, NC Lions Foundation President 1993-1994, District Governor, Promotion Chairman 1972-1973, and took delegation to Tiawan for Lion’s International Convention. In 1972, Curtis was honored by Military Affairs Committee (MAC) for his achievements. He was the second military family of the quarter for New Bern.

Curtis continued to serve as a member of the Havelock Board of Adjustment for 6 years; Commissioner of the City of Havelock for 9 years (1991-2000); and Board member of the Craven County Airport Authority for 20 years (Chairman) overseeing rebuilding the New Bern airport as it exists today.

Curtis and Susie were members of First United Methodist Church of Havelock over 60 years. During his time, he served on several boards and committees. The Habitat for Humanity hosts an annual golf tournament, which was started by Curtis. They raised enough money to build over 30 homes for the Havelock community.

Curtis and Susie enjoyed spending time with their family and friends. In 1999, Curtis was in the Havelock Christmas Parade as the Grand Marshall with Susie, and they had the best time sharing many laughs and making memoires. All who knew Curtis, enjoyed his crazy jokes, laughs, and best of all, love. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him dearly.

Leaving behind to honor and cherish Curtis' life and legacy are his loving wife of 68 years, Susie Bare; children, Vickie Barding (Tim), Cindy Schauer (Bob), and Curtis "Jack" Bare Jr. (Helen); grandchildren, Kenny Barding, Patrick Barding (Terri), Erica Barding, Christina Martin (Issac), Joey Schauer, Curtis "CJ" Bare III, Matthew Bare (Megan); great-grandchildren, Ashlynn Kate, Lula Claire, Bailey Ann, Mabry Lynn, Maelynn Louise, Avery Grace, Miles Efland, and Julian; and many loving family members and close friends.

Curtis is preceded in death by his brothers and sisters.

The family will receive visitors from 10:00-11:00 am on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at First Methodist Church in Havelock. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 am with full military honors following the service. Later in the day, Curtis will be laid to rest at Greenleaf Memorial Park. The service will be live streamed on the church's YouTube and Facebook pages.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made in Curtis' honor to First Methodist Church of Havelock or the Crystal Coast Habitat for Humanity at crystalcoasthabitat.org

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Captain Curtis Jack Bare Sr., USMC, Retired.