Dr. Karl Frederick Curtis (1939-2007)

Friends:

Please keep the family of Dr. Fred Curtis in your prayers. He passed away Thursday afternoon. He was a good friend--a true man--and someone I will sorely miss. More details below and on the Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey web site.

WN

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Dear Karen and Friends of Fred Curtis: As he did for so many others, Dr. Curtis has served as a source of inspiration to me since I first met him in 2001. He was my mentor upon coming to Baylor, and a terrific one at that. My hat is off to a loyal friend, one of the toughest men in Texas history, and an untiring fighter for teachers, curriculum, teacher education, and a high-quality teaching profession for all children. May you rest in peace, Fred, now that you're in a better place. Yours sincerely, Wesley Null

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Dr. K. Fred Curtis of Woodway passed away Thursday, November 29, 2007, surrounded by his family and friends. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday, December 3, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, with the Pastor Paul Krupicka officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, December 2, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey.

Fred was born October 21, 1939 in South Sioux City, Nebraska to Harriet and Norbert Curtis. He attended South Sioux City High School, Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska, and later earned his doctorate from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Fred established his career as a dedicated member of the Baylor University Faculty. There he worked for over 34 years as a passionate educator and leader within the School of Education. As the endowed C.G. Strickland Professor of Education and Professor of Curriculum and Instruction, he touched the lives of his many students, teachers and colleagues.

As a leader in his field, he contributed greatly to the direction of his professional organizations; he provided instruction and continuing education to teachers across the state of Texas; and he created numerous programs at Baylor reaching international prominence. Fred was an active leader in his church, St. Matthew Lutheran, and his community. He celebrated life by sharing his passions with others through his community service, love for music and singing, and interest in travel and international cultures.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Norbert. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Karen Childs Curtis; sons, Dr. David Curtis and wife, Michelle; Michael Curtis; daughter, Heather Curtis Nichols and husband, Greg; grandchildren, Michael David Curtis and Catherine Abigail Curtis; brothers, Jack Buser and wife, Susan; Ned Buser and wife, Jeanne; and Dr. Kerrey Buser and wife, Kim.

Pallbearers are Elden Barrett, John Linda, Lowel Elliott, Dick Belanger, Jim Ferguson and Larry Webb.

Memorials may be made to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 800 N. New Road, Waco, TX (254) 772-9349 or the American Diabetes Association.

The family invites you to leave a memory or message in our “Memorial Guestbook” at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey.