Aug. 6, 19320-May 22, 2023
Glen Leslie Curtis was born on Aug. 6, 1932, in Riverside, California. He was extremely premature at less than 3 pounds and was no bigger than his father’s hand. In those days, a baby born that was premature rarely survived – but after a six-month hospital stay, Glen survived, grew and ultimately thrived. He lived to be 90 years old, passing away in his sleep on May 22, 2023, in St. George, Utah.
His parents were Gleason Monroe Curtis and Maleta Lucille Osborn Curtis. Their families each came to California from the East looking for opportunities in the Golden State. Gleason and Maleta, as youth, met at their church. Gleason had a career as a mortician and Maleta as a teacher until they had children. They had three sons: Dale the oldest, then Glen, and Lloyd the youngest. The family resided in Riverside and were very active members of the Seventh Day Baptist Church.
Upon graduation from high school, Glen enrolled at Utah State University in Logan, Utah, in the engineering department. But in 1954 his education was interrupted when Glen was drafted into the army. It was the very end of the Korean war, and he ended up being stationed in Germany for the entirety of his service.
After his honorable discharge from the army, Glen returned to USU and met Joan Earl, a Utah girl from St. George. They married on Jan. 2, 1958, in Riverside, California. They had three children: Susan Gail Curtis (Martin), Jeffrey Glen Curtis and and Michael Steven Curtis.
Glen returned to his hometown of Riverside and embarked on a career in lubrication engineering, a unique specialty that was in demand in the steel and oil production industries. He worked for Kaiser Steel and ARAMCO Oil, among others. During his ARAMCO employment, he and his wife Joan lived in Saudi Arabia for several years. With 80 days of annual vacation, the two of them literally traveled all around the world during their time in “Saudi” (as Glen referred to it).
Glen had a passion for photography and actively pursued it as a serious hobby. He was a strong believer in the Bible and Jesus Christ all his life. Whenever he was able, he attended the national conferences of his Seventh Day Baptist church.
Glen ultimately retired to St. George, Utah, and has lived there for many years.
Preceding him in death are his former spouse Joan and his brothers Dale and Lloyd. He is survived by his children Susan Martin (Paul), Jeffry Curtis (Kristin) and Michael Curtis. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, June 8, at 11 a.m., at Olivewood Memorial Park, 3300 Central Ave, Riverside, California.
Arrangements are under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff St., St. George, 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign Glen’s online guest book.