Jerry Curtis

Funeral services will be 10:00 am, Friday, August 29, at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur. Visitation will be 5-8 pm, Thursday, August 28, and one hour prior to services on Friday, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Fairlawn Cemetery, Decatur.Memorials may be made to donors choice.Jerry was born December 15, 1927, in Charleston, IL, the son of Waldo E. and Margaret (Smith) Curtis. He married Rosemary Jobe on June 10, 1949, in Charleston, IL. She preceded him in death on April 17, 1990.Jerry attended Charleston schools and received his Bachelors degree from Eastern Illinois University and his Masters degree from Millikin University. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, where he played football. Jerry was an educator, coach, and athletic director for 37 years, retiring in 1988. His summers were spent as a park leader for the Decatur Recreation Department, primarily at Monroe Park. He was a member of Central Christian Church, Illinois High School Association, National and Illinois Athletic Directors Associations, Elks Club, Great Books Club, and was a founding member of the Decatur Athletic Council. Jerry enjoyed gardening, playing and coaching football, fishing, camping, and was a St. Louis Cardinals fan, Chicago Bears fan, and an Illinois Athletics fan. Jerry greatly enjoyed verbally sparring with his special friend and companion Dionne Carlson.Surviving are his children Gary Michael Mike Curtis of Lanham, MD, Stephen Patrick Pat Curtis and wife Winifred of Virginia Beach, VA, Julia Lynn Danenberger and husband Steven of Bethany, IL, Jill Marie Heick and husband Martin of Decatur, IL; grandchildren Craig Curtis and wife Cindy of Chicago, IL, James Curtis of Reston, VA, Benjamin Curtis of Chesapeake, VA, Rachael Brumleve of Chicago, IL, Jessica Brumleve of Dallas, TX, Rebekah Brumleve of Arlington, VA, Michael Brumleve and wife Heather of Taylor, TX, Andrew Heick of Decatur, IL, Tanner Heick of Decatur, IL, Brittany Curtis of Denver, CO, Lauren Curtis of Denver, CO, Marissa Curtis of Grand Junction, CO; great grandchildren Colin and Caitlyn Curtis of Chicago, IL, Payton Brumleve of Taylor, TX.Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one son, and grandson Jeffrey Curtis.The family would like to give special thanks to Decatur Memorial Hospital Hospice for their thoughtfulness and assistance these past few months. To Heather and Julie, we express our gratitude for all of the care you gave Dad in helping him fulfill his wish of remaining in his home.Condolences may be left to the family at www.brintlingerandearl.com "
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