Charles Robert Curtis, 84, of Springfield, passed away at 12:30 a.m. Friday, May 31, 2002 at his residence. Charles was born November 3, 1917 the son of Charles E. and Mary E. Bowes Curtis in Salem, South Dakota. He married Lisa M. Melone in 1944; she preceded him in death July 31, 1969. He married Margaret Collins August 26, 1972 in Springfield. Charles retired from Sangamo Electric in 1978 after 27 years of service. He was also a U.S. Navy Veteran of WWII. He was a Pearl Harbor survivor, serving aboard the USS Oklahoma at the time of the attack on December 7, 1941. He went on to serve aboard the USS Denver throughout the duration of the Pacific War. He received the American Area Ribbon, Point System Discharge, Asiatic-Pacific Area with seven stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two stars and the American Defense Ribbon with one star. He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Parish and a Fourth Degree Knighs of Columbus Bishop Griffin Assembly and Knights of Columbus Council 364. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 0032, Navy Club of Sangamon Ship #32, Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Illinois Sheriffs’ Association, Association of American Retired Persons and the USS Denver CL-58 Association. He was preceded in death by his first wife: Lisa M. Curtis; his parents; four brothers: George H., Warren D., Roy D, William J. Curtis; one sister: Stella Mann; one infant grandson: Frank Santoro Jr., and one great grandson: Daniel Santoro. He is survived by his wife: Margaret R. Curtis of Springfield; two daughters: Carol (husband, Frank M.) Santoro of Springfield, Helen (husband, Steven J.) Reavis of Riverton; one stepson: Charles “Eddie” Collins of San Diego, CA; one stepdaughter: Sherry (husband, Matthew) Morales of Thorton, CO; three sisters: Veronica Cody of Palm Springs, CA, Helen Poate of Palm Springs, CA; Mary Sieka of Springfield; two brothers: Edgar “Ed” Curtis of Wilbur, OR, Donald Curtis of Kincaid, IL; eight grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may call at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home from 4-7:00 p.m. Monday, June 3, 2002 with a wake services at 6:00p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 4, 2002 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with Reverend William Kessler celebrant. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery where the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County will conduct military honors. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Joseph Indian School, Chamberlain, SD 57326. The family of Charles Robert Curtis is being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.17