Emmitt Lee Curtis

The wonderful life of Emmitt Curtis began in Foss, Oklahoma on January 3, 1930 and ended on Saturday, August 8, 2015, in Farmington, New Mexico at San Juan Regional Medical Center. Emmitt moved many places during his childhood due to his step-father's work in the oil industry. He graduated from Farmington High School and went on to college at Southwestern Bible College in Texas. He lived many places from Oklahoma to Colorado. His next stop was enlistment in the army during the Korean War. He served one year in Korea as an engineer building bridges. He worked for El Paso Natural Gas for 30 years. During his employment he worked in several locations in New Mexico, finally settling in Kirtland, New Mexico. He retired from El Paso Natural Gas in the mid 80s, the family then moved to Farmington. After retirement, he worked for Apria Health Care delivering oxygen. He also helped to rehabilitate mentally handicapped individuals back into society while working at a halfway house. He loved people and his caring personality helped many. Emmitt met Gloria Heitz while he was singing in a church trio before leaving on his assignment to Korea. They were married upon his return on September 5, 1953 and celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary last September. Much time was spent with his family enjoying a game of dominos or cards. He loved music, old cars, good food, comedies and anything that would make him laugh. He was a kind, joyful and wonderful father, grandfather, brother and friend. Emmitt's surviving family includes: wife Gloria (Heitz) Curtis of Farmington, NM; children Randall Lee Curtis of Farmington, NM and Melanie (Curtis) Hesseldenz of Stevenson Ranch, CA; son-in-law David Hesseldenz of Stevenson Ranch, CA; granddaughter Alexa Hesseldenz of Stevenson Ranch, CA; sisters Linda Tuttle of Farmington, NM and Irene Harland of Texas as well as many nieces and nephews. Heaven has gained a beautiful soul and his family now has a precious guardian angel. Service will be held Saturday, August 15, at 10:00 a.m. at Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute Street, Farmington with Pastor Steve Carrington officiating. Pallbearers are Rick Major, Robert Parker, David Hesseldenz, and Gary Smothers. A reception to be held immediately after at Brewer, Lee and Larkin followed by a graveside service at Greenlawn Cemetery with full military honors provided by VFW Post #2182 of Farmington. Emmitt's care is entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, (505) 325-8688.