Donald Ray Curtis
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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
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Ann Williams says: My sincere condolences to Marie and Stacie and his family members
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Patty Eshom says:
So sorry to hear this. I have many, many good memories of Don when I was growing up. Marie and Staci you are in my prayers.
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Lisa purcell says:
RIP Don we all loved you at Rio Salado College Lisa Purcell
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Lisa Purcell says:
So very sorry for your loss I enjoyed his company each day I worked with him at Rio Salado College
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Louise Wipf says:
I am so sorry for your loss. Don was a special friend and I have known him for many years. If it was not for Don I would not have the job I do now because he taught me what I needed for my lifelong career. Indeed he was a teacher and most of all a great friend. He loved his family and was a great and wonderful man. He will be truly missed.
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Kathleen Drey says:
Keeping Marie and Staci in my thoughts and prayers. Love you both.
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Jerry and Charles Briggs says:
So very very sad to hear this news. Myself and husband Charles Briggs worked with Don for many years at State Farm before retirement.
We send our thoughts and prayers to you all.
Jerry and Charlie Briggs -
Jennifer Hartman says:
I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to Don’s family members. Don was a joy to work with at Rio Salado. His calm demeanor and gentle smile was a gift to everyone who encountered him. He will be sorely missed.
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Debbie Cloud says:
I have known Don for many years both as a math adjunct and a Technology Helpdesk problem solver. He has always been a very positive person, flexible, patient and kind! He taught in-person classes to our Adult ACE population. Students only state what a wonderful instructor he was.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Know that he has touched our world and will be remembered.
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Kate Packer says:
Don taught math to Adult ACE students at Rio Salado among many other things he did at the college. He could reach them where they were and helped them to understand that they CAN do well in college and that they can do math, too. He was a math magician and helped so many students to do so much better in life. He will be forever missed.
My heartfelt condolences to his family. -
John Jensen says:
Don was one of our most treasured mathematics instructors at Rio Salado. As chair of the department, I had the pleasure of hearing rave reviews of him for his ability to reach students and to help them succeed. A gentle soul, always willing to be of help, this is what I will remember of him. My sincerest regrets to Don’s family on his passing. Like all great teachers, his influence will live on beyond him.
Ann Williams 
Patty Eshom 
Lisa purcell 
Louise Wipf 
Kathleen Drey 
Jerry and Charles Briggs 
Jennifer Hartman 
Debbie Cloud 
Kate Packer 
John Jensen
My sincere condolences to Marie and Stacie and his family members
So sorry to hear this. I have many, many good memories of Don when I was growing up. Marie and Staci you are in my prayers.
RIP Don we all loved you at Rio Salado College Lisa Purcell
So very sorry for your loss I enjoyed his company each day I worked with him at Rio Salado College
I am so sorry for your loss. Don was a special friend and I have known him for many years. If it was not for Don I would not have the job I do now because he taught me what I needed for my lifelong career. Indeed he was a teacher and most of all a great friend. He loved his family and was a great and wonderful man. He will be truly missed.
Keeping Marie and Staci in my thoughts and prayers. Love you both.
So very very sad to hear this news. Myself and husband Charles Briggs worked with Don for many years at State Farm before retirement.
We send our thoughts and prayers to you all.
Jerry and Charlie Briggs
I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to Don’s family members. Don was a joy to work with at Rio Salado. His calm demeanor and gentle smile was a gift to everyone who encountered him. He will be sorely missed.
I have known Don for many years both as a math adjunct and a Technology Helpdesk problem solver. He has always been a very positive person, flexible, patient and kind! He taught in-person classes to our Adult ACE population. Students only state what a wonderful instructor he was.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Know that he has touched our world and will be remembered.
Don taught math to Adult ACE students at Rio Salado among many other things he did at the college. He could reach them where they were and helped them to understand that they CAN do well in college and that they can do math, too. He was a math magician and helped so many students to do so much better in life. He will be forever missed.
My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Don was one of our most treasured mathematics instructors at Rio Salado. As chair of the department, I had the pleasure of hearing rave reviews of him for his ability to reach students and to help them succeed. A gentle soul, always willing to be of help, this is what I will remember of him. My sincerest regrets to Don’s family on his passing. Like all great teachers, his influence will live on beyond him.