Joseph "Joe" Curtis (Bolivar)'s Obituary
Joseph Franklin Curtis, 69, passed away on September 18, 2024, at his home in Bolivar, MO. Joe was born in Rolla, MO on November 2, 1954, to Frank Curtis and Dorothy (Loughridge) Curtis. He graduated from Rolla High School in 1973 and then SMSU in 1977 with a major in marketing and management. He met Cindy Riffel in 1988, and they were married on March 24, 1990. They shared 34 years of marriage together. Joe was employed by GSK Pharmaceuticals for a majority of his career and was successful as a pharmaceutical sales rep.
Joe was saved through faith in Jesus, at the age of 10, at First Baptist Church in Rolla, MO. He was ordained as a deacon in 1983 at Grant Ave. Baptist Church in Springfield, MO. He was currently a member of the First Baptist Church in Bolivar, MO where he was a strong leader in the church his entire adult life and wore many hats through the years. He was most passionate about teaching adult Sunday School for many years and keeping the boys in line at Falls Creek Youth Camp.
Joe enjoyed being outdoors and kept an immaculate yard. He enjoyed being on the lake, either boating or camping, and his favorite vacations were on the beach. He was an avid sports fan, and especially interested in the Arkansas Razorbacks and St. Louis Cardinals. He was an athlete himself, playing football in high school, and was always working out to stay in shape.
Joe will be remembered for his outgoing, fun-loving personality. He loved his family dearly and was happiest in his last years spending time with his grandchildren. He has left a legacy of faith that has impacted many lives, and he will also be remembered for his extravagant 4th of July displays. He was given the name pyromaniac.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents. Joe is survived by his wife Cindy, daughter Carrie Dyal (Scott), and grandchildren Tyler and Izadora. He is also survived by three nephews and two nieces and their families.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be left in Joe’s name to St. Croix Hospice, Carrie J Babb Cancer Center, or to the Falls Creek First Baptist Church Camp fund.
Services for Joe will be Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at the Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar starting at 11:00 A.M. Visitation for Joseph will be held an hour prior to the service starting at 10:00 A.M.
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