Howard Wayne Curtis

Howard Wayne Curtis was born on October 11, 1941, at Ransom Memorial Hospital in Ottawa, Kansas, to Howard Glen and Rena Lera (Kirkpatrick) Curtis. His parents had traveled from their family farmstead in rural Ottawa for what they expected would be a routine trip, only to welcome an unexpected 10-pound baby boy—the fifth of eight children who would complete their family.

Howard Wayne Curtis passed away peacefully at his home on July 7, 2026, at the age of 84, with his two sons by his side.

Howard was baptized at Ruhamah Baptist Church in Rantoul, Kansas, and remained faithful to those Christian values throughout his life.

He attended Cole Grade School for eight years before graduating from Rantoul High School with the Class of 1959.

Following graduation, Howard proudly served his country in the United States Navy for six years, earning the rank of Radioman Third Class. Much of his service was spent aboard the USS Rupertus (DD-851), a destroyer homeported in Yokosuka, Japan. He was honorably discharged after completing his military service.

After returning home, Howard began his career as the store manager for Tractor Supply Company in St. Joseph, Missouri, where he worked for seven years. He later became a co-owner of B.D.R. Engineering in Kansas City, Kansas, alongside two business partners. He remained with the company for approximately 20 years until its sale.

Howard then embarked on a career as a long-haul truck driver, traveling throughout 49 states and every province in Canada. During those years, he drove for several trucking companies, hauling flatbeds, oversized loads, dry vans, and refrigerated freight.

Although he enjoyed many successful careers, Howard often said his favorite work was farming alongside his sons and grandkids.

On February 14, 1963, Howard married Rosita Cheryl McCall in Kansas City, Kansas. Their marriage later ended in divorce in 1981, but together they were blessed with two sons: Stephen Howard Curtis of Pomona, Kansas, and Ryan Wayne (Carrie) Curtis of Ottawa, Kansas.

Howard was a proud grandfather to Lane Curtis, Stasha (Chris) Marrow, Anna (Cameron) Haugom, Lauren (Brock) Bila, and Austin Curtis. He was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Jensen Curtis and Connor Haugom. In 1985, Howard met his lifelong partner, Sandra Jean (Maxwell) Copley of Whiting, Kansas. Together they shared 40 years of love, companionship, and countless memories until Sandra's passing on July 2, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard Glen and Rena Lera (Kirkpatrick) Curtis; his lifelong partner, Sandra Jean (Maxwell) Copley; and his siblings, Glen Eugene Curtis, Mable Louise Curtis, Nina Marie Curtis, Nancy Belle Curtis, Warren Lee Curtis, David Earl Curtis, and Mary Ruth Curtis.

Howard will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, his years of military service, and the joy he found in farming with those he loved most. He found his greatest happiness behind the wheel of a tractor, working the land alongside his sons and grandkids. Those moments, more than any other, defined the life he loved. His legacy will live on in every story shared, every field worked, and every generation of the Curtis family that follows.

Though he is gone, the lessons he taught through hard work, quiet strength, and time spent together will continue to guide those who loved him.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory St., Ottawa, KS. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Dengel & Son Mortuary. Following the service, burial will take place at Ruhamah Cemetery, 4190 Jackson Rd., Rantoul, KS. Military honors, including the folding and presentation of the United States flag, will be conducted at the cemetery in recognition of Howard's faithful service to his country.

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