Obituary of John Curtis, Jr.

Rev. John R. Curtis, Jr., 93, of Carlinville, passed away Friday night, January 10, 2020 at Heritage Health Care in Carlinville. John was born on August 26, 1926 to Rev. John and Anna (McMeekin) Curtis in Royalton, IL. On June 18, 1978 he married Margy Jean Jardine in Bartonville, IL. After graduating from Vandalia High School in 1944, John enlisted with the US Navy and served until 1946, obtaining the rank of Pharmacist's 2nd Class. He then attended McKendree University and graduated in 1950. From 1953 until 1958, John attended Seminary at G.E.T.S. in Evanston, IL, and during that time he preached at Plato Center in Burlington, IL. Churches he served were Godfrey UMC from 1959 - 1963, then went back to McKendree University where he was the Director of Religious Life until 1966. Then the Lord took him to Salem Grace UMC from 1966 -1968, Carthage UMC from 1968 - 1970, Gibson City UMC from 1970 - 1974, Bartonville UMC from 1974 - 1978, Carlinville UMC and Rural UMC from 1978 - 1987, Paris UMC from 1987 - 1997. John then came back to preach at the Rural UMC in Standard City, IL until his retirement at the end of September of 2019. John enjoyed fishing, golfing, and gardening. He was proud to have been a St. Louis Cardinals fan since 1946. John loved preaching, his music ministry, and most of all his family. John is survived by his wife Margy; six daughters, Deborah (Geoffrey) Dubson of St. Louis, MO, Elizabeth (Mark) Curtis-Camphouse of Mannassas, VA, Cheryl (Tal) Beckman of Bartonville, IL, Lisa (Brian) Sullivan of Hillsboro, IL, Melody Carlson of Arrowsmith, IL, and Rebecca (Loren) Reece of Bloomington, IL; five sons, Richard (Lynne) Curtis of Waconia, MN, Matt (Julie) Curtis of Ravun Gap, GA, David (Melissa) Curtis of Salida, CO, Bob (Bonnie) Buhs of Gibson City, IL, and Craig (companion, Shawn Bridges) Moore of McKinney, TX; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Pam Moore of Champain, IL; sister, Margaret Ann Hooper of Birmingham, AL; several nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. John R. Sr. and Anna Curtis, daughter, Wendy Underwood, son, Bob Moore, and a son-in-law, Tom Carlson. Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 14, 2020, from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Carlinville United Methodist Church, 201 S. Broad St., Carlinville. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2020, at 10:00 am at the Carlinville United Methodist Church, with Revs. Rex Hendrix and David Eadie, officiating. Burial will take place in the Mayfield Memorial Park Cemetery, with Military rites. Memorials are suggested to the Rural United Methodist Church or the Preachers' Aid Society and Benefit Fund. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home in Carlinville is in charge. Online condolences can be given at www.davisandersonfuneralhome.com.