Curtis L Thomas

Curtis L. Thomas died August 27, 2011. He was born on New Year’s Day, 1935, of Elbert and Luciele Thomas, in Purcell, Oklahoma. He joined the U.S. Air Force at 17, and then served for 21 years, retiring as M/Sgt. He served in Korea, Viet Nam, The Presidential Squadron, and at the USAF Air Force Academy. He was awarded the Bronze Star and 5 commendation medals.

After retiring from the Air Force, he developed real estate with his two older brothers, sold mobile homes from his lot, and then built and managed a mobile home park till 2001.

He married Elizabeth Neff on March 29th, 1957. They were married 54 years. They had two children, Mike and Cindy. During that time, he also coached little league baseball, football, and was scout master. Later, he loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Curt loved to tell a good joke, knew virtually all of the "old ones", and really enjoyed hearing a funny story. He would greet people he knew — and people he didn't know - with a smile. When asked how he was, he would say "Great, but I'm gonna get better". He loved to dance, and on the dance floor, he and Liz made a striking couple.

Curt was always available to go fishing, and particularly loved to catch catfish in the Washita River. One day he caught a 23 pound channel cat on 8 pound test line. If you asked, and sometimes if you didn't, he would show you the well worn picture.

He enjoyed working his bees and was always so proud on the days when he would capture a new swarm.

Curt liked casino gambling. He was excellent at bridge, checkers, and poker. He was the toughest chess player you never expected to be beat by. He liked winning, and most often, he did.

Curtis was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Bill, Hoshal, Jim, and Jerry; and his grandson Jacob. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; his son & daughter-in-law, Michael and Susan Thomas; daughter, Cynthia Miller; sister & brother-in-law, Helen & Glen Barker; brother, Max & sister-in-law Jackie; granddaughter, Kayla Thomas; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Curt would want to be remembered with a good joke, a smile, a hug, or a fishing trip with friends. In lieu of flowers, make a good bet at the casino, or give someone you love a big hug.

Services will be 10:00AM Wednesday, at Primrose Chapel with interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Park. A lunch reception will follow the services.

Arrangements are trusted to the care of Primrose Funeral Service, www.primrosefuneralservice.com