Roll Call Tribute

Harold E. Curtis

January 26, 1931 - December 2, 2022

Harold E. Curtis of Mirando City, Texas passed away on December 2, 2022 at the age of 91 in Dallas, Texas. He was born on January 26, 1931 to Elmo and Bertha (Wright) Curtis in Laredo, Texas.

Harold grew up in the little town of Mirando City where he worked at his dad's gas station after school and on weekends. He spent his free time dove hunting, meandering through the south Texas mesquite brush, and being a good-hearted but mischievous youth.

Harold met the love of his life, Thelma Frances Rutledge, one Sunday morning on the front steps of the First Baptist Church in San Marcos. Before he could marry her, he was recruited to join the United States military to serve his country. His love for Frances was deep & before long they married on March 30, 1953 in San Marcos, Texas. She joined him in Norfolk, Virginia while he completed his 2-years in the United States Navy. In 1954, he was honorably discharged to attend Texas A&M on the GI Bill. He graduated first in his Geology class with a Bachelor of Science degree and began his career at Royal Dutch in the Shell Exploration division.

Fran supported Harold at their home base as he traveled for his job. He explored the world for oil for Shell beginning in Europe, then Southeast Asia & Australia, South America & finally Africa. Known as “Hal” by his colleagues, he was their “go to” geologist who explored jungles & tribal territories for undiscovered oil. He and Fran spent his last three years in Cameroon Africa. Hal retired from Royal Dutch Shell in 1993 ending his 36-year career.

Harold was a committed husband and father to Fran and their three daughters. As a Christian man, Harold modeled and instilled the importance of daily Bible reading, prayer, and regular church attendance/service to his three daughters. Harold also believed in the importance of a good education and a healthy lifestyle; and, he encouraged many to adopt these principles. Harold’s love for adventure and travel was shared with his family -- taking his family on many camping adventures including to 49 of the 50 United States, as well as through Canada & Mexico. After his retirement, he and Fran spent many years traveling to all the continents, swimming the Great Barrier Reef, journeying throughout Asia, tracing Paul’s biblical journey as well as Marco Polo’s routes. When Fran’s health declined in 2017, they came to the Dallas area for medical support. After Fran’s death in February 2021, Harold remained in Dallas area with his sister, Roberta. He attended Heights Baptist Church in Richardson, Texas and joined their Open Doors Sunday School class.

Harold is survived by his daughters, Diane Cogan and husband, Kevin of Oak Point, Texas, Lisa Mahlmann and husband, Jeff of Azle, Texas, and Cynthia Dague and husband, Paul of Pearland, Texas; nine grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and sister, Roberta Maness of Dallas, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmo and Bertha Curtis, his brothers, J.W. Curtis and Lonnie Curtis; and by his loving wife, Fran Curtis & daughter, LeaAnn Lynn Curtis.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 9, 2023 at The Heights Church Chapel, 201 West Renner Road, Richardson, Texas 75080.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Started in 1888, Lottie Moon Christmas offering to send missionaries to China. Today, funds support missionaries all over the world. Uniquely, 100% of donations directly support missionaries. Three donation options for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering:

1. Mail a check to IBM (International Mission Board): 3806 Monument Ave., Richmond, VA 23230. You may note on the check “in memory of Harold Curtis”

2. Go online to imb.org. 

3. Call IBM at 1-800-999-3113 for personal assistance making a donation.