Charles W. Curtis

Charles W. Curtis of Avon died June 1. He was 95. Born on March 12, 1921 in Palestine, IL, he was the son of Joseph W. and Bessie (Propst) Curtis. He is survived by his daughter, Judy (Peter) Ricketts, and daughter-in-law, Sharon Curtis. Charley was preceded in death by his wife Jean, his son Joe Curtis, a brother Joe Curtis and a sister Hannah McCormick.

Mr. Curtis graduated from Palestine High School in 1939. He went to work as a fireman on the Pennsylvania Railroad on June 2, 1941. He was later promoted to locomotive engineer. He also worked for the Penn Central and Conrail until his retirement in June 1982.

He served in an Army Railroad Battalion in Iran during World War II. He was a 74 year member of the Masonic Lodge, a 65 year member of the Scottish Rite, a 58 year member of the Zorah and Murat Shrine, and a 61 year member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (B of LE) serving as a Local Chairman for many years.

After retirement, he became an active member of the National Association of Retired and Veteran Railway Employees (NARVRE). He was president of his local unit, a delegate to the National Convention several times, and a delegate to the State of Florida Legislative Committee.

He enjoyed playing cards and bingo. He was a member of John Knox Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Curtis and his wife spent part of their time in Bradenton, Florida from 1982 until moving there full time in 1992. They returned to Hendricks County in 2007.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 20, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. at John Knox Presbyterian Church, with visitation beginning at Noon. Burial of cremains will be at Roselawn Cemetery in Terre Haute, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Curtis/Ricketts Continuing Education Scholarship at John Knox Presbyterian Church, 3000 North High School Road, Indianapolis, IN 46224.