Ronald Reed Curtis

He was born on April 3, 1944, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Ellaween Virginia Reed and Carl Walter Curtis. He was preceded in death by his sister, Cheryl A. Curtis. Ron is survived by his former wife, Pamela McBride Curtis, with whom he shared a daughter, Christine Curtis Keenan; grandchildren, Joshua Reed Keenan and Olivia Alise Aprea; and great-grandchildren, Savannah, Chandler, and Milan Keenan.

Ron’s life was filled with accomplishment, passion, and creativity. He proudly served in the U.S. Army, completing a tour in Vietnam. It was during his time in the Army that he discovered his interest in computers, a skill that would shape his career. He went on to work for IBM and NASA before retiring from Panhandle Eastern.

Music was also central to Ron’s life. A self-taught musician, he learned to read music, play the guitar, and compose songs without ever taking a formal lesson. He recorded two albums, formed a band, and performed at venues and fairs throughout Texas.

With his remarkable singing voice, Ron created countless cherished memories for his family—especially singing and playing guitar for his daughter. Songs like 500 Miles, House of the Rising Sun, and The Sound of Silence became treasured family favorites.

In the middle of his life, Ron discovered a new passion: running. With characteristic determination, he set his sights on completing a marathon. He meticulously tracked his training and proudly achieved his goal in 1987, running his first marathon. He later moved near Memorial Park in Houston, where he joined numerous running clubs and participated in marathons across the United States and Canada.

Although Ron was a private man, his legacy is not just in his service, his music, or his running accomplishments, but in the role he cherished most—being a father. To his daughter, Christine, he was larger than life: Clint Eastwood, Jason Bourne, Elvis Presley, and Stephen Hawking all rolled into one extraordinary man. He taught lessons in math, how to appreciate all genres of music, the art of patience, resilience, and the importance of responsibility. He instilled values of hard work, forgiveness, and the courage to never walk away asking “what if.”

Christine reflects: “I was blessed to be an only child, because I had him all to myself. He was my rock, my role model, my peace, and my best friend. I was honored to call him my father, and I carry his lessons with me every day. I hope he is at peace now, running circles around heaven.”