John Charles Curtis
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John Charles Curtis, 70, of Independence, MO, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, surrounded by family at Saint Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City, MO, after a battle with cancer.
John Curtis was born on February 8, 1949, to Catherine J.A. and Clarence I. Curtis in Independence, MO. After graduating from William Chrisman High School in 1967, he received his B.S. in recreational therapy from Southwest Missouri State University in 1974 and M.A. in health services management from Webster University in 1984.
He married his loving wife, Beverly Villwok Curtis, in 1988. John was always active and lived life to the fullest. He loved coaching and watching his children, granddaughter, nephews and niece play sports. He could be found watching Royals baseball, Chiefs football and KU basketball from the stands or his favorite recliner in the living room. John had an appreciation for good food, wine and whiskey. He could always be found enjoying these with friends and family while telling stories and sharing jokes. Feeding fishes at the marina and the birds in his yard with his granddaughter brought John happiness. He wanted to always make sure those around him were included and cared for. He was always there to help those in need. He was one of the proud founding fathers of Sigma Chi fraternity at Southwest Missouri State. He enjoyed fishing trips, poker games and planning get-togethers with his lifelong brothers.
John retired from Jackson County Parks and Recreation as a recreational therapist where he worked with people with disabilities. Also, he was a much-loved server at Starker’s Restaurant and Pierpont’s in Kansas City and an umpire for several decades. He served as the commissioner for the Kiwanis Baseball League, he was a Scout leader for Boy Scouts of America Heart of America Council, and was an active volunteer with Special Olympics.
He is survived by his wife Beverly Villwok Curtis, his daughter Whitney Curtis and husband Jeffrey Roberson of St. Louis, MO; son Ethan Curtis of Columbia, MO; daughter Meghan Curtis and partner Justin Maxwell of Kearney, MO, granddaughters, Elizabeth and Emersyn; sister, Jane Morman of Blue Springs, MO.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Catherine and Clarence Curtis.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2020, at Ophelia’s Restaurant, 201 N Main St, Independence, MO 64050. Visitation will be held at 1 pm and a service will begin at 1:30 pm, with a reception to follow. Cremation has taken place.
In place of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in his name to Special Olympics Missouri.
Cal Downs enjoyed visiting with John so much. Best wishes to the family.
Thoughts and prayers for you and your family for comfort during this difficult time ?
Ah, John. You got to see your Chiefs win a Super Bowl and your Royals win a World Series.
Having spent over 10 years with you at Starker’s, I know your beloved family was your number one passion and joy, though college basketball was waaayyy up there. Rest easy, friend. You will be greatly missed.
Dear Beverly and family,
I am an old fraternity brother from Delaware and when I met John, I knew he was one of the most genuine and sincere person from the first meeting. Over the years, I have not had the opportunity to see John but was kept abreast of his health issues through John S. I surprised him with an email a few months ago and he thanked me for my prayers. All that met john are better for that.
The Chrisman Class of 1967 has lost another Bear. Farewell, friend. Thank you for helping with the Special Olympics! ???
RIP John. So sorry ? UR life was cut short. I remember you from Benton Elementary School. God bless you & your family.
From the entire family at Pierpont’s, we will dearly miss John and what he brought to our team and our guests. Our hearts go out to John’s family in this time of sorrow as well celebration of all the joy that John brought to our lives.
We didn’t have many nonfamily members to our house when I was growing up. But, John dated my sister in the 60s. We all loved John. I’m so sorry to hear from Barb of his passing. Peace&love to all.