“Well done my good and faithful servant!”On Wednesday, May 27, 2020, Frank Curtis, 86, after an extended illness with Alzheimer’s, transitioned from this earthly home into the arms of his loving Savior Jesus Christ.
Frank was born on January 30, 1934, in Madison, Illinois. He was the only child born to Walter Lee James and Carrie B. Curtis. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age. Frank dedicated his life to service for God in everything he did, whether it was work, community, church, school, or play.
Frank graduated from Dunbar High School in Madison, Illinois, in 1952, and later moved to Anderson, Indiana during this same year to attend Anderson College.Majoring in Biology, Frank attended college for three years.He later joined the United States Army. Enlisting in 1956, Private First Class Curtis was honorably discharged in 1962. Stationed in Illinois and Wisconsin, he held several positions while serving in the US Army.
Frank was employed with Delco-Remy, a division of General Motors Corporation,and retired after more than 44 years of service, beginning as a Janitor and retiring as a Tool & Die Maker. He was an active member of the United Auto Workers (UAW), Local 662, during his career with Delco-Remy.
In November 1965, Frank met the love of his life, Jimmie Inez Ford in Akron, OH. After a whirlwind courtship they were married on May 1, 1966. Three children were born to their union: Walter Franklin “Frankie”, Candace Rochelle, and Jon Wilford Jerome.
Frank was a very dedicated and active member in his home church, Sherman Street Church of God. In fact, he served on the fund-raising campaign committee for the construction of the new church building and sanctuary.He taught Sunday School and was Superintendent of the Sunday School for many years, assisted with Vacation Bible School, served in the Prison Ministry,was a dedicated Board of Trustees’ member, and faithfully sung in the choir. Frank was generally one of the first persons to arrive at church and one of the last to leave, taking responsibility for locking and unlocking the church doors and making sure the lights were on for services. Students who attended Anderson College, now Anderson University, witnessed his dedication and service directly as he shuttled them to-and-from church, and at times, along with his wife, would host Sunday dinners after church at their home for the students providing a home-away-from-home environment.
Frank was active in other ministries within the National Association of the Church of God (NACOG) including the In-Service Training Institute. He, alongside his wife, served in various Children’s Ministries within the church and the NACOG for well over 25 years. They were recognized by the NACOG with the Pansy M Brown Distinguished Christian Service Award in Christian Education.
Believing in advancing the Civil Rights movement and cause, Frank was an active and avid member of the Urban League and National Association for the Advancement of Colored Persons (NAACP) where its goals were to eliminate racial prejudice, keep the public aware of the adverse effects of racial discrimination and improve the political, educational, social and economic status of minority groups. He served on the Indiana state executive board of the NAACP and also received numerous awards from the organization including the B. Harry Beckham Freedom Fund President’s Award,being honored as The Greatest Solicitor of Membership in Modern Time.
Frank enjoyed learning, especially any and all things math related. Post-retirement, he could be found taking courses in algebra, geometry and many of the other math sciences.He believed in continuing education as way to improve oneself. Frank loved imparting wisdom and knowledge to all who were interested in learning. He tutored students of all ages whether in church, in various school systems or anywhere.In his spare time, Frank also enjoyed photography, bowling, playing softball,coaching Little League baseball, watching sports – especially basketball and baseball,and working word puzzles.
Frank was a Godly man, loving Husband, wonderful Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Uncle, Cousin, Son and Friend. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 54 years, Jimmie Inez Curtis; his daughter and son-in-law, Candace and Akin Morakinyo; his youngest son and daughter-in-law, Jon and Derica Curtis; grandchildren Omowunmi Morakinyo, Omolayo Morakinyo, Romale Williams, Skilard’ Curtis, Deion Jackson-Body, Julianne Curtis, Jon Curtis; and a host of relatives and friends.
Preceding him in death was his father, Walter James;his mother Carrie Curtis; his eldest son and daughter-in-law, Walter Franklin and Bessie Channel Curtis.
