Earl B. Curtis, Jr.

Cloverdale – Earl B. Curtis, Jr., 71 of Cloverdale died 3:45 p.m. Saturday, January 28, 2017 at Lima Memorial Health Systems surrounded by his family.  He was born February 4, 1945 in Van Wert to the late Earl B. and Lola Mae (Bish) Curtis, Sr.  On February 23, 1965 he married Terry Johnston, who survives in Ottoville.  They were married for 22 years.

Also surviving are his three children:  Jeff Curtis and Jeannie Mansfield, both of Cloverdale and Julie Hibbard of Lebanon; seven grandchildren:  Jessica Nichols; Kayla, Madison, Makenzie and Curtis Mansfield; AyJay Curtis and Zoey Hibbard; and a great-granddaughter:  Kenzley Nichols.

Earl is preceded in death by his sister, Judy Gibson and a niece, Tina Lewis.

Earl worked for Superior Coach, Lima for 20 years and had been the president of the UAW, Lima.  He then taught welding at Lima Senior High School for 15 years and was a member of the NEA and OEA.  While at Lima Senior, Earl was in charge of putting together (welding) the "Project Democracy" sculpture that stands next to the high school. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the project. He enjoyed working with his welding students, and he appreciated the lasting relationships he had with so many of them.  He also co-owned and operated with both his father and son, Curtis Nursery.

Earl enjoyed the beauty of God's creation.  He like to spend time farming and tending to his cattle, hunting, fishing for snook,  feeding the many hummingbirds that visited every summer, searching for arrowheads and carving and painting. But most of all, he loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren.

He was raised in the Church of Christ in Christian Union, Mandale where he credits the foundation of his faith.

The funeral service for Earl will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 3, 2017 at the LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township (just east of Ottoville on SR 224) with Cody Etter officiating.  The burial will be at a later date.  Visitation will be Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m. and again Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Putnam County Hospice.  Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com.