Francis "Frank" Nelson Curtis, age 77, of Burgaw died Saturday, July 4, 2009 at his home.

He was born February 7, 1932 in Dover Foxcroft, Maine, the son of the late Dwight Francis and Mary Dora Perry Curtis. He was also preceded in death by his step-son, David W. Christiansen and sister, Mary Loraine Roy.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 35 years, Jean M. Curtis of the home; sons, Larry B. Curtis of Garland, Texas and Dean M. Curtis of Dodd City, Texas; step-son, Donald R. Christiansen and his wife, Lynne of Mill Spring, North Carolina; grandchildren, Ashley Curtis, Jacob Christiansen, and Mary Kate Christiansen; brother, Donald Curtis and his wife, Becky of Clifton, Maine; brother-in-law, Joseph Roy of Milford, Maine; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

S/SGT Francis Curtis served his country honorably in the US Navy and in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict. After completing service to his country he worked in the Space Industry, being instrumental in all of the Apollo Space Missions. In 1994 Jean and Frank moved to North Carolina where Frank worked in the aircraft and nuclear fuel divisions of General Electric Company, retiring in 1994.

Mr. Curtis was a faithful member of St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church. He was a humble man who throughout his life contributed greatly to the betterment of his fellowman. Frank will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his abiding faith, his integrity, and his quiet, caring manner.

The Rosary will be recited at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church followed by Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00 a.m. The Rev. Father Rafael A. Leon Valencia will be the officiant.

Burial will follow in Riverview Memorial Park.

Casketbearers will be Daniel Bowden, Jeffery Blake, Brian Wright, Charles Fraune, Dr. Dennis Carter, Ralph Petite, Dennis Yott, Bud Smith, and Joe Waseleski.

In lieu of flowers memorial may be given to St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church Outreach Ministry, 1303 US Hwy 117 S, Burgaw, NC 28425 or to American Heart Association, PO Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5216.

Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw.