Dalton Eugene Curtis

Dalton Eugene “Gene” Curtis, 87, passed away March 23 in Cheyenne. Gene was born in Halstead, Kansas, on May 18, 1931 to James Amos and Roberta Rebecca Curtis. He was the oldest of six children born to the couple. His siblings are Micki Pedigo, Jim Curtis, Patty Sergeant, Lorene Bachtold, and Wynona Fagler.
Gene spent his early years in St. John, Kansas and later moved to Leoti, Kansas, where he graduated from Wichita County High School in 1950. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korea Conflict where he was a fingerprint technician. He was awarded a Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.
Upon his return, he returned to farming and attended Kansas State University for a while before moving to Hutchinson for Business College. He later moved to Wichita and then to Denver in 1956.
Gene met Carol Ann Hake in Wichita. Gene and Carol were married on September 6, 1957 in Los Alamos, New Mexico. They had four children – Scott Eugene born in 1958, Steven Dale born in 1959, Michael James born in 1961, and Kelly Ann born in 1962.
In 1971, Gene and Carol purchased their first home in Aurora, Colorado. They remained in the same house for 47 years until they moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming to be closer to Kelly.
Gene was blessed with ten grandchildren—Shaun (Tracy) Willmarth, Julie (Dylan) Schopper, Matthew Willmarth, Aaron (Bethany) Willmarth, Jacob (Jacqueline) Curtis, Natalie (Gunnison) Thayer, Caroline Curtis, Isaiah Curtis, Daisy Curtis, and Violet Curtis—and eight great grandchildren, Dylan Willmarth, Presley Willmarth, Aubrey Willmarth, Cameryn Willmarth, Kaiden Schopper, Ryan Schopper, Iris Thayer and Israel Curtis.
Gene’s sales career began in Wichita where he sold Homemakers Guild cookware. He became an independent insurance agent in the early 1960s. He worked for various companies and agencies over the years. He continued to advise others on their insurance needs – primarily with Medicare Part B plans until his death.
Gene accepted Jesus as his personal savior in 1961. He spent the remainder of his life sharing the message of salvation with everyone he could. Even during his last weeks on earth, his desire was for his entire family to be saved. Undoubtably, he heard, “Well done my good and faithful servant,” as he entered Heaven’s gates.
Over the years, Gene served as a Sunday School teacher, church board member, and on the boards of Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International and the International Fellowship of Christian Businessmen. He attended Calvary Temple and Regency Christian Fellowship in Denver.
Survivors include wife of 61 years, Carol, sons Steve of Kernersville, NC and Mike (Laura) of Mount Kisco, NY, and daughter Kelly (Jack) Willmarth of Cheyenne, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, brother Jim, sisters Micki and Patty, numerous nieces and nephews, and so many dear friends.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, son Scott, and sisters Lorene and Wynona.
The family wants to extend their thanks to his caregivers at the Cheyenne VA Home-based Primary Care, Therapy Center at Life Care, and CRMC. The family also appreciates all the support and expressions of condolence from friends, extended family, and the residents and staff at Whispering Chase.
Donations in Gene’s memory can be made to Touching Africa Ministries, P.O. Box 460459, Aurora, CO 80046 or online at www.touchingafricaministries.org
A local service will be held at Whispering Chase in Cheyenne April 6 at 10:00 a.m. Memorial services and interment with military honors at Fort Logan National Cemetery will be held on June 7, at 2:00 p.m.
Condolences can be left at www.wrcfuneral.com .