Robert "Bob" Dale Curtis

Robert Dale Curtis, known to all as “Bob,” was born at home on August 13, 1932, and died peacefully at home on August 25, 2025. Bob embodied the virtues of hard work, humility, perseverance, and generosity that were a blessing to those around him. 

During his working years, Bob wore many hats. His early days were spent on family farms in rural central Missouri. He joined the U.S. Air Force shortly after his high school graduation and served in the United States and in England. After a successful, 10-year stint in sales, he became a restaurant owner and manager. Later, he became a hotel maintenance manager, where his ability to fix anything – from finicky ice machines to noisy motors – was his trademark. He possessed a curious mind, a dutiful drive, and a resourceful spirit, traits that allowed him to thrive in many settings. 

Bob's love for his family was visible in many practical ways. Together, they embarked on adventures in home building and house flipping. Together, they operated a successful restaurant business. Throughout his life and even as his health declined, he wanted to be together with his family for birthdays, holidays, weddings, and visits from out-of-towners. For years on Memorial Day, he and his wife Mary Ann did an annual tour of cemeteries across Missouri to pay respects to late family members. 

Also known for his green thumb, Bob spent hours nurturing his large garden and numerous fruit trees. He enjoyed watching the antics of birds at feeders in his yard and the squirrels who harassed them. His love of simple pleasures included mowing the lawn, admiring a beautiful landscape, and listening to beautiful music. 

For the last 25 years, Bob was a proud member of the Open Door Bible Church in Belton, where he not only attended services but helped finance and build a large new addition—a testament to his commitment to community and faith. 

Bob's marriage of over 35 years stands as a testament to his commitment to Mary Ann and their partnership. Together, they bought and managed several real estate properties, took beautiful trips, and spent many peaceful hours seated side-by-side at home. When Bob was 61, he fell through a skylight he was repairing and had life-threatening injuries. Mary Ann was at his side during months of difficult recovery. Miraculously, he was able to walk again after several months.

As friends and family gather to celebrate and appreciate Bob’s life, they will undoubtedly share stories of his corny jokes, his kindness, and his endurance in difficult times. 

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Albert “Nazer” and Mary Curtis; brothers Julius (Mary), Cecil (Trudy), Leslie (died in infancy), and Raymond (Rosella) Curtis; sister Lyda (Delbert) Errett; and son-in-law Curtis Bray. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ann Burwell; children Sharon (Steve) Kleinschmidt, Pamela Bray, and Dale Curtis (Lamar Braithwaite); as well as grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many other family and friends. 

Flowers are welcome or contributions may be made to a charity of your choice in honor of Bob’s memory.