Robert Leon Curell was born on February 22, 1938 in Thomas, Oklahoma to William Loyd and Elva Beatrice (Delp) Curell. He left this world on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 reaching the age of 78 years, 10 months, 1 week, and 5 days.

Robert attended school in Thomas, Oklahoma, playing football on the 1955 team that won the state championship. Unfortunately, he was unable to play in the final game due to an emergency appendectomy. He graduated from Thomas High School in 1956.

Growing up he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and country music. After retiring he still liked country music and watching rodeos and football, but his hunting changed to feeding birds and squirrels in his backyard. He always kept up with the Thomas Terriers.

Robert served in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1961 as a crypto operator (Airman 2nd Class) at Cape Romanzof Air Force Station in Alaska and ended his service honorably at Tinker Air Force Base.

After leaving the Air Force, he returned to Thomas. After visiting his sister, Martha, in California, he moved there, and furthered his education by achieving an associate degree from El Camino College. He went on to work as a computer operator.

Returning to Oklahoma, he continued to work as a computer operator in civil service for Tinker Air Force Base. While working at Tinker AFB he attended Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, whether you called him Robert, Bob, or Shorty. One nurse at St. Anthonys summed it up in one sentence, He was the kindest man I ever met.

Robert is survived by one sister, Martha Eakin of Shawnee, Kansas; one brother, Leroy and wife, Beth Curell of Spring, Texas; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Loyd and Elva Curell; two sisters, an infant and Ruth Hanks; and two brothers, Lloyd Currell Jr, and Bert Curell.

Memorials may be donated to organization of choice.