Marion Wallace McCurdy Jr.

Marion Wallace McCurdy, Jr. of Schertz, TX passed away, surrounded by his loving family, while at rest on October 27, 2025, at the age of 77. He will be deeply missed as a beloved husband, father, "Papa," brother, uncle, teacher, and friend.

Known as "Si" to his family and friends, he was the youngest of six children and only son of Dr. Marion Wallace McCurdy and Anne Ayers Lide McCurdy. Born on September 10, 1948, in San Antonio, TX, Si spent his early years in the beloved family home in Olmos Park, and attended Elliott School, San Antonio Academy, and Texas Military Institute.

Si's passion for history, the arts, and the classics led him to Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia. Fate intervened in December 1967, during his sophomore year, when he met his future wife, Laurel Ann Wagner. At a Christmas Eve party hosted by a mutual friend in San Antonio, TX, an almost missed connection ignited a lifelong romance. Both nearly skipped the event, and he was on the verge of leaving as she arrived. Upon their introduction, hoping to spark a conversation, he playfully remarked, "Your name is Laurel, as in Daphne." A shared love of Greek mythology sealed their connection, and the rest, as they say, is history.

After earning his BA from Hampden-Sydney in 1970, Si returned home and worked a summer job as a train order operator for the Southern Pacific Railroad. This experience echoed his childhood fascination with trains, a bond with his father. Their shared hours building and operating a Lionel "Big Boy" steam engine, complete with a working whistle and switches, created lasting memories.

Si's dedication to education led him to earn an MA from the University of Texas at Austin in 1971, with plans to become a teacher. However, his path took an unexpected turn when he was drafted into military service in 1971 during the Vietnam War. He chose to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force and attending Officer Training School at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, ultimately putting his teaching aspirations on hold.

On Christmas Eve of 1971, exactly four years after their first encounter, Si and Laurel exchanged vows in a small family ceremony, just before he began his distinguished military service. His career with the Air Force led them to various posts, where he served with dedication: Sheppard AFB, TX (Navigation Training); Vandenberg AFB, CA (Navigation Training); McConnell AFB, KS (Titan Missile Command); Lackland AFB, TX (OTS Instructor); University of California at Berkeley, CA (ROTC Instructor); Maxwell AFB, AL (Scholarship Program); and ultimately, Randolph AFB, TX (Recruiting), where he retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1993.

After retiring from the military, Si dedicated himself to his true calling: teaching. As both Dean and middle school teacher at St. Anthony Catholic School in San Antonio, he relished the opportunity to mold young minds. He shared his love of history, Latin, mythology, and etymology, and broadened his students' horizons by introducing them to big band, jazz, and classical music. A highlight of his tenure was organizing the school's legendary annual spring DC Field Trips, where he brought history to life for eighth graders, hoping to spark the same passion he had felt on a similar trip during his own school days at San Antonio Academy.

Si's spirit will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and students, all of whom were touched by his warmth and wisdom. His vast knowledge, his ability to make history come alive, and the passion he brought to every story will be forever remembered and admired. Affectionately known as "The Sage" since his military days, Si readily shared his wisdom, whether solicited or not. Beneath his adherence to protocol lay a gentle and sentimental soul, drawn to the romanticism and chivalry of yesteryears. This was particularly evident in his deep appreciation for the music of the 1930s and 40s, often lamenting that he was born a generation too late. He cherished artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, and Louis Jordan, as well as big bands like Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Benny Goodman. "Now this is good music," he would often say, "Listen to those lyrics. They don't make music like this anymore."

Coming from a musically gifted family, Si enjoyed playing the piano in his younger years, and often wished he could play ragtime pieces. A voracious reader, Si always had a book in hand, be it history, religion, or poetry. He was a true poetry enthusiast, known to recite from memory lengthy works such as Horatius, If, The Daffodils, Trees, The Children’s Hour, and A Psalm of Life. Si also cherished the simple pleasures of a family game of Texas Forty-Two, faithfully carrying on the tradition of scorekeeping passed down from his father. Si's dedication extended beyond the home. Whether he was coaching soccer, recounting history, or teaching Sunday School, Si used every opportunity to connect with others, share his knowledge, and impart valuable life lessons. He loved the Texas Hill Country, family camping trips, good food, and strumming ukulele tunes like You Are My Sunshine and My Grandfather’s Clock at family gatherings. His harmonious voice, reminiscent of his Glee Club and barbershop quartet performances, filled the air with warmth and joy.

Through the love and wisdom of his mother and guided by the influence of his five older sisters, Si cultivated a profound respect for women and became a lifelong advocate for their causes. Endearingly protective, he expressed his love by anticipating and averting potential problems, showering those he cared for with gentle reminders and thoughtful inquiries. His unique laughter and mannerisms, gift for storytelling, familiar quotes, eloquent way with words, appreciation for gardening, love of nature, his sensitivity, thoughtfulness, and gratitude, and his soulful eyes that conveyed so much will be dearly missed. Si's legacy is one of profound enrichment, marked by his boundless knowledge, generous heart, genuine spirit, and steadfast love. Echoing the sentiments in A Psalm of Life, he leaves behind "footprints on the sands of time," a lasting testament to a life well-lived, reminding us that "we shall take heart again" in his memory.

Si was preceded in death by his parents, Marion Wallace and Anne Ayers McCurdy, and his sisters, Runita (Charlie) Gaston and Sue (Greg) Hosterman. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 54 years, Laurel; sisters: Mary Anne McCurdy, Dr. Jean (Rick) Meade and Jane (Lee) Vardaman; children: Daphne Ann Lide McCurdy, Marion “Si” (Grace) Wallace McCurdy III, Andrew Wagner McCurdy, and Charity (Bret) Ayers McCurdy McMenamin. His family's story continues through his five grandchildren: Paitlyn Laurel McCurdy, Porter Austin McCurdy, Calista Ann Laurel Jaklitsch, Aila Ayers McMenamin, and Evan Patrick McMenamin, ensuring his love and memory will be cherished for years to come.

In his final hours, Si was granted his wish to be at home, embraced by his family. He desired that his ashes, when someday joined with Laurel's, rest in a place that will hold deep significance for their shared journey. As written in The Children's Hour, their bond will remain unbroken:

And there will I keep you forever,

Yes, forever and a day,

Till the walls shall crumble to ruin,

And moulder in dust away!

Remembering Si's generous spirit, the family suggests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the charity reflecting what they value most. Si was a faithful giver and believed in supporting organizations that work to improve the lives of others, both near and far.

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