Joel Leonard Curtis, 75, died Sunday, March 9, 2025.
He was born May 6, 1949 to Joel Clint (J.C.) and Velma (Raines) Curtis.
He graduated from Liberal High School in 1967, after which he served in the United States Army. Joel was later honorably discharged in 1970 with a National Defense Service Medal.
He worked for many years first at Harding Glass and then in the natural gas industry, retiring as a Measurement Tech in 2008.
He was a loving and devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, and had many close friends throughout his life.
He enjoyed cars, fishing, music, playing cards, gardening, church activities, and Bible studies.
Survivors include children, Heather Cupp, and Tyler (Melanie) Curtis; four grandchildren: Brennon (Schylar) and Bryant (Esperanza) Cupp, and Allison and Caroline Curtis; sister, Lois Baker; brother, Steve (Lea Ann) Curtis; and many other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Leigh Ann (Horney) Curtis; his parents; sisters, Raenola (Mike) Hanson and Betty Curtis; and son-in-law, Richard Cupp.
• A Celebration of Life service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 21, 2025 at the First Presbyterian Church in Derby.
Memorials are suggested to First Presbyterian Church in Derby or the Presbyterian Manor in Emporia maybe sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, KS 66801.
