Thomas Howard Curtis

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas Howard Curtis, at the age of 73, on November 22 in Dallas after a seven year battle with an autoimmune liver disease known as Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. A Celebration of Life service for Tom will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. at Hollytree Country Club in Tyler. Please join us as we remember and celebrate Tom’s life with his friends and family. Light refreshments and desserts will be served. Tom was born December 14, 1950, in Waco, Texas to Walter Elmer and Mattie Rose Lance Curtis. Tom attended Richfield High School and was involved in the family grocery business. After high school he graduated from Baylor University and met the love of his life, Carla Sue Beck. They married in August 1973. Tom served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. Tom and Carla moved to Tyler in 1977 and had two sons, Walt and Matt and a daughter Rebecca. They called Tyler home for forty-seven years and were longtime members of First Baptist Church Tyler where they were active and involved in the children’s ministry. Tom’s love for Christ, his wife, family and friends defined his life and the way he lived. Tom was employed by M. Lipsitz & Company for 43 years where he managed their Tyler plant, Tyler Iron & Metal, before retiring in 2016. Tom was an avid lifelong tennis player. During retirement he enjoyed traveling and spending time at the lake with his friends and family. Tom loved his family, and his friends, attending Baylor sporting events, and a cold glass of McAlister’s iced tea. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Rose, and his two half-brothers, Walter Elmer Curtis, Jr. and Johnny Curtis. He is survived by his loving wife, Carla, and his children, Walt and his wife Stacy, Matt and his wife Katy, and Rebecca and her husband Luke, as well as three nieces, two nephews and five grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following in Tom’s name: The Baylor Tennis Baseline Club BEAR FOUNDATION 1500 University Parks Dr Waco, TX 76706 Bear Foundation :: Baylor University The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Liver Clinic 5323 Harry Hines Blvd Dallas, TX 75390 https://engage.utsouthwestern.edu/donate-now Tyler Junior College Foundation Dr. Sergio Figueroa Tennis Legacy Scholarship Endowment PO Box 9020 Tyler, TX 75711 advancement.tjc.edu

Thomas Howard Curtis

December 14, 1950 - November 22, 2024