Donald Ray Curtis, 70, of Queen Creek, Arizona, passed away Wednesday, January 31st at home with his wife and daughter by his side. His illness was aggressive, so his struggle was not prolonged. Don was born in Dimmit, Texas, and he grew up in Olton, Texas. He attended Texas Tech University, where he obtained both B.S. and M.Ed. degrees. While at Texas Tech, he met his wife Marie, who survives him. He is also survived by his daughter, Staci Renee Curtis of Queen Creek, Arizona, and his sister, Joyce Elaine Garrison, of Lubbock, Texas and several nephews and nieces.
Don was a secondary math and science teacher at various schools in Texas and in Tucson and Phoenix. He also worked in data processing for State Farm Insurance in their regional office, and he was employed by Rio Salado College as a math instructor and a computer/help desk support person until he retired.
According to family wishes a private ceremony will be held in the near future. Don wished to be cremated and his ashes returned to his beloved state of Texas.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Donald Curtis to the American Brain Tumor Association, 8550 W Bryn Mawr Ave., Suite 550, Chicago, IL 60631. www.abta.org