Kenneth Loyd Curtis

Kenneth Lloyd Curtis, 99, of Shawnee, Oklahoma, passed away on Sunday, November 3, 2024. Known to most as “Dee,” a name lovingly given to him by his granddaughter, few realized his real name was Kenneth.

Dee grew up in the Prairie Valley area of Seminole County. From a young age, he showed an unflagging work ethic, hauling pigs to the Oklahoma City stockyards before he was even old enough to drive—a passion for livestock hauling that he turned into a lifelong career. But his most enduring legacy lies in the love he gave freely to his family, especially his grandchildren. On February 1, 1947, Dee (Kenneth) married “Meme” (Edith Marie Hall), his devoted partner of 75 years. Together, they made a life in Tecumseh, Oklahoma, raising three children: Carolyn, Ronnie, and Randy.

Dee was preceded in death by his beloved wife Edith, his parents, all eight of his siblings, son in law Larry Gowder Sr. and his cherished grandson, Larry “Bubba” Gowder Jr. He is survived by many who will forever hold him in their hearts: his daughter Carolyn Gowder of Shawnee; son Ronnie Curtis of Macomb,(friend Norma Rawls) son Randy Curtis of Shawnee; grandchildren Liz Livingston (life partner Jess Wilson and son Shooter) of McAlester, Kelly Veeley (husband Tom, children Keygan and Dalton) of Shawnee, Audrea Curtis (life partner Vickie Garrett and son Tyler) of Shawnee, and Dillion Curtis of Macomb. Great-grandchildren Trey Green of Oklahoma City, Hunter Green (partner Hailey Wiley) of Shawnee, Curtis Taron and Landrey Taron of Shawnee; as well as great-great-grandchildren, Rylynn Keithly, and Kashton Boone Green. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Buster Hale of Shawnee and sister-in-law Johnice Hall of Shawnee, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Scott Stewart for his dedicated care of Kenneth. Their connection ran deep, as Kenneth had hauled cattle for Dr. Stewart’s father long before Scott began his medical career, creating a bond that spanned generations.

A special thanks also goes to Cohesive Home Health for their exceptional support. His nurse, Julie, brought him coffee with every visit—a simple act of kindness that he truly cherished.

A visitation for Kenneth will be held Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Resthaven Funeral Home, 44909 Highway 3, Shawnee, OK 74801. A funeral service will occur Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 11:00 AM, 44909 Highway 3, Shawnee, OK 74801. A committal service will occur Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 12:30 PM at Resthaven Memorial Park, 16006 S Rock Creek Rd, Shawnee, OK 74801.