Curtis Park

Curtis “Gene” Park, 81, of Columbia died peacefully at home June 11, 2012 secondary to pancreatic cancer.

He was born in Kaufman, Texas December 10, 1930 to Curtis and Pansy Pearl Park.  He grew up with his family in Dallas, Texas and his extended family on his grandfather’s share cropped farm.  At age 17 he joined the Marine Corps, where he was honored to work as an MP.  Upon completion of service he married his beloved, Joan Venters, on March 14, 1952.  Curtis graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in petroleum engineering in 1957 and then moved to Oklahoma to begin his 35 year distinguished career with Oklahoma Natural Gas Company.

He was a grand tinkerer and Jack-of-all-trades, at points personally building a beautiful lake front family home, a gazebo for his daughter’s wedding, and a fiberglass boat that spectacularly sank on its maiden voyage.

Curtis was an avid outdoor enthusiast and guided his family through many grand adventures.  He led his sons on an impromptu hike down and up the Grand Canyon in one day while sporting new cowboy boots. On another occasion, to the dismay of border guards, he drove his family of 5 in an old jeep over the steep banks and through the shallow waters of the Rio Grande.

He retired at age 62 with his wife to his nirvana of Winter Park, Colorado to better enjoy hiking, skiing, biking and horseback riding.

In 2002 Curtis and Joan moved to mid-Missouri to be closer to family.  He was a master storyteller and never met a stranger on his many daily walks with his beloved dog Boomer.

His mischievous and enterprising spirit shall be missed.  Family and friends will gather in Colorado at a future date to honor the wonderful life of Curtis Park and scatter his ashes from Byer’s Peak.

Online condolences may be left at www.heartlandcremation.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

 

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Condolences

  1. Cindy Park on June 12, 2012 at 4:27 pm

    I am very blessed to have known this man. Not only was he my father-in-law but he was my friend. His enthusiasm for life will continue to inspire me. He will be with me always.
    Happy Trials, pop.
    Love, Cindy



  2. Patty Nixon on June 12, 2012 at 10:40 pm

    What an outstanding man! Thank you so much for being a wonderful grandfather to our girls. Heaven has a new handyman. I appreciate and will never forget what I learned from you. My heart and prayers are with the Park Family. Love, Patty



  3. Barbara Williams on June 13, 2012 at 10:05 pm

    Curtis overcame lots of problems to stick around as long as he did. He has already been missed in Grand County for many years. I hope to get a chance to participate in the climb up Byer’s Peak-what a wonderful idea to celebrate a life well lived!



  4. Mackie Peters on October 18, 2012 at 7:30 pm

    I will miss this man forever. He always has been, and will continue to be, a huge source of inspiration for me and my life will never be the same without him. I love you, Papa.



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