Merle Lee Curtis

age 89, of Wichita, Kansas passed away on Tuesday, September 14, 2021. Merle was born April 19, 1932 in Wellington, Kansas to Louis & Dorothy (Sowersby) Curtis.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents.

He leaves to cherish his memories wife of 47 years Joann (Thimesch) Curtis; 3 sons, Tim ( Marva) Curtis, Louis (Marianne) Curtis, Kelley Curtis; 2 stepsons, Kenny (Sandra) Thimesch, and Rick Thimesch; 6 grandchildren, Marcie Seiler, Tanner Curtis, Keith Curtis, Amy O'Crowley, Courtney Stiebens, and Mariah Bryant; 18 great grandchildren and a host a of other family and friends.

Merle enjoyed spending time outside doing just about anything; gardening, camping or going to the lake with friends. He was an avid hunter, and loved fishing.

Merle also enjoyed watching the Wichita thunder hockey team, helping the hot air balloon crew, spending time with family and attending as many grand kids' events as possible.

Merle was a US postal carrier for many years retiring in April of 1993. He was a veteran of the Korean war and received a bronze star and a purple heart. One of the greatest honors in his life was being invited to Washington DC as part of an Honor flight.

Merle's family and friends miss him already. The love for Merle is expressed perfectly in the word of Kenny Chesney...

… I promised him I wouldn't cry when it was his time to leave

That's the only promise I made him I couldn't keep

He smiled from his bed and said we'll meet again

Somewhere down the road

And I believe 'cause Grandpa told me so

… He said life is made for you to live

The best love is the love that you give

There'll be times when you want to hold on but you gotta let go

And I live by those words 'cause Grandpa told me so

A funeral service for Merle will be held Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 1:00 PM at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209. Following the funeral service will be a graveside service at 2:00 at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Merle's memory may be made to Honor Flight, 4601 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 1200, Arlington, Virginia 22203 US, https://www.honorflight.org/donate-online.html.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ResthavenMortuary-Cemetery.com for the Curtis family.