Dr. Karl Frederick Curtis

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. Fred was raised by his mother and beloved step-father, Jack Buser. 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;his older brother, Norbert, and his step-father, Jack Buser. 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 www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com.