Curtis, Donald R., Sr.

Donald R. Curtis, Sr.

Don was born in Chattanooga and grew up in Alton Park. He first married Shirley Benefield and had three children early in his life, which he and Shirley raised together in Chattanooga. He had dropped out of Chattanooga City High School two months before graduation, only to come to realize there was value in education. That was a value he passed down through the generations to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He pursued his general equivalence diploma, and after six years of college while working and raising three children, graduated college, and used his bachelor’s degree to become an industrial engineer at DuPont. He was continually tinkering around in his shop downtown or his garage at his home all his life and during his retirement. In retirement, he established a successful real estate construction and rental business. The continual tinkering, however, was usually in preparation for a cross country camping trip with his companion of more than 20 years and his beloved dog, Sarge. Many of those trips with Judy were to meet up with his son and daughter in law, Don and Michele, and their relatives out West. Many exciting memories have been made with Don Curtis because he did all of the things that he wanted to do in life including seeing the Aurora Borealis with his wife, Shirley, during one of his many trips. He also took a helicopter during one of his many camping trips to Alaska so he could set foot on a glacier with his son. Don lived his life fully with no regrets.

He is survived by his loving companion, Judy Howard, his son Donald R. Curtis, Jr, (Michele), daughter Theresa Kendall (Mike), and daughter Cheryl Lynn Curtis. He made wonderful memories with grandchildren Ray Curtis (Cathy), Clay Curtis (Michelle), Zak Kendall, and Jamie Kendall. He would light up when speaking of or hearing news about his great grandchildren, Nathan, Matthew, Daniel, Chloe, and Bear. Don was one of eleven children, with only one sister still surviving, Barbara Yerbey. He was also survived by many nieces and nephews.

His children and their spouses would like to especially thank his caregivers for the excellent care they provided for our father. Dwight Ash, Lloyd Pinheiro, Wilson Jackson, and Monika Jackson are angels sent to us by the Lord. They were sent in our time of need and we could not have been more blessed. Also we would like to thank the professional comfort care team at Hearth Hospice who have helped us each step of the way.

Charitable contributions in lieu of flowers may be sent to the

National Park Foundation
Attn: Gift Processing
PO Box 17394
Baltimore, MD 21298-9450

or

University of Chattanooga Foundation
615 McCallie Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37403

or any charitable organization you may choose.