John "Johnny" Edward Curtis

John Edward “Johnny” Curtis devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away peacefully in his home in Houston, Texas on July 30, 2020 with his loving wife by his side. Johnny was born in Hillsboro, Texas on June 27, 1926 to Walter E. Curtis, Sr. and Velma Irene Murphree. Besides his loving parents, Johnny was greatly influenced by his grandmother, Carrie Curtis and step-mother, Rose Lance Curtis.

Johnny served in the armed forces as a United States Marine becoming a Platoon Sargent in WW II. He was stationed in the South China Theater during his service. After receiving his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Johnny attended Baylor University receiving a scholarship to play football for the Bears. He held several records for many years as a punt returner and was a lifelong member of the Baylor Bears Letterman Club. Johnny received a new Baylor letterman jacket several years ago while being honored at the final Baylor game played at Floyd Casey Stadium in Waco, Texas. He was one of the few remaining players that played the very first game at stadium in 1950. Johnny was a proud Baylor Bear and wore his new “B” jacket with pride.

After earning his business degree at Baylor, Johnny entered the oil and gas industry and was active as a Petroleum Landman for over 40 years. He first started in 1951, working for W.L.K. Trotter as an independent. Then soon after he began a long career with Christie, Mitchell and Mitchell and then with George Mitchell & Associates. In 1970 Johnny left Mitchell and he and his fellow business partners formed Teal Petroleum Company. After five years, Teal merged with its parent company W.R. Grace to become Grace Petroleum Company. After working at Grace for many years Johnny took a position with GS Oil & Gas, Inc. and continued there until his retirement.

While attending Baylor Johnny met the love of his life, his adoring wife of 68 years, Minnie Frances Beasley whom he affectionately called Scooter. They were married on December 8, 1951 at the First Methodist Church in downtown Houston. Johnny and Scooter made their home in the Sharpstown area in 1955 where Mike and Cindy were born. They joined and were dedicated members of Gethsemane United Methodist Church where Johnny served as Sunday School Superintendent and on the Board of Stewards. Then in 1971, they built a new home and moved to the Maplewood West Subdivision and lived there until his passing. Johnny was active in the Maplewood West Home Owners Association and held the president’s position for several years. He was very good at solving issues between the residents of his community and was revered for his calm, positive outlook on everything. He is also fondly remembered for visiting and greeting any and every neighbor and passerby as he would sit on his front lawn with his faithful white dog, Noel. They made quite the pair.

One of Johnny’s special places, “John’s Place”, was his lake house which he and Scooter built in 1974 in the Cape Royale community on Lake Livingston. He treasured spending quality time with family and friends at the lake and especially loved water skiing. The lakehouse remains in the family to this day and his traditions are still carried on by close family and friends who have also bought homes at Cape Royale.

Another great chapter in Johnny's life was coaching! He began early on by coaching Cindy (his daughter) and Marleen (his future daughter in law) at the YMCA girls softball team. He continued on with (his son) Mike to coach fast-pitch softball for his three granddaughters Lauren, Christin and Shannon. He coached for many years and was well known and admired for his love of not only the game, but for all the girls who played, he was affectionately known as “Coach Grandpa Johnny”. Johnny and Scooter never missed a game and followed their granddaughter’s teams all over the US to watch them compete in regional and national tournaments.

One of the proudest moments in Johnny’s life was when his granddaughter Brittany graduated from Baylor University. They had such a special bond and got to enjoy many football games together, proudly wearing their Green and Gold. His daughter Cindy was blessed with Johnny’s green thumb and has so diligently kept his favorite plants thriving. He loved his backyard pool and Cindy helped make it his oasis where they spent many hours talking, sunning, pruning, planting and being together.

Johnny is survived by his wife, Frances Curtis; son, Mike Curtis and wife, Marleen, daughter, Cindy Curtis Soliz; Grandchildren, Lauren Curtis Kmiec and husband Guy, Christin Curtis Capiro and husband Rob, Shannon Curtis Yancy and husband Chris, and Brittany Soliz; Great Grandchildren, Elijah Capiro, Ellie Capiro, Caroline Yancy, Ryder Kmiec, Naoma Kmiec and twins that are due in September, Billie Rose Kmiec and Charlie Grace Kmiec. Johnny is also survived by brother Tom Curtis and wife, Carla; Nieces and Nephew, Carol Curtis Peterson and husband, Fred, John Howard Curtis and wife, Yvonne and Martha Curtis Glasgow and husband, Randy.

Johnny is preceded in death by his father, Walter E. Curtis, Sr.; mother, Velma Irene Murphree Curtis; step-mother, Rose Lance Curtis; beloved older brother, Walter E. “Junior” Curtis, Jr. and wife, Evelyn Curtis, and younger brother, James Harold Curtis.

Johnny was a devout Christian, dedicated family man, a true gentleman and such a happy, kind soul. He will truly be missed by all!

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Johnny to a charity of your choice.