of Conway, AR

September 21, 1945 - May 9, 2025

Curtis Thurman's story began on September 21, 1945 in the small community of Lacey, Arkansas, where he was born to Cecil and Margie (Mhoon) Thurman. As the third of four brothers, Curtis was part of a close-knit family rooted in hard work and southern values. He spent most of his early years in Drew County, where his love of sports, teaching and community took root and flourished.

Curtis attended Drew Central Schools in Monticello, graduating in 1963 and went on to attend Arkansas A&M (now the University of Arkansas at Monticello), where he proudly played basketball and baseball for the Boll Weevils. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Health & PE with a second major in Math, setting the stage for a life devoted to shaping young minds and coaching athletes.

In 1967, he began his career at Desha Central High School as a math teacher and basketball coach. It was there he met his future wife, Catherine Risner. Together they built a life grounded in love, education and service until her passing in 2008. Curtis's early coaching years were filled with achievement, including a state championship in 1969 and multiple undefeated seasons. His influence reached far beyond the scoreboard, leaving a lifelong impact on countless students, players and colleagues, some of whom would go on to become professional athletes, coaches and educators themselves.

After more than a decade in education, Curtis stepped away in 1978 to begin a 22-year career at Potlatch Corporation in Arkansas City. Although he found success in the paper industry, his passion for teaching and coaching never faded. He returned to the classroom and the court at Dumas Junior High, where he taught math and coached junior high basketball. After several fulfilling years, he eventually retired to spend more time enjoying family and supporting the next generation from the stands.

Curtis was a longtime member of Kelso Baptist Church, where he was especially active in the children's and youth ministries. He spent many years driving the church van, chaperoning youth trips and serving wherever he was needed. His quiet dedication and easy rapport with young people made him a trusted and beloved presence.

In 2012, Curtis relocated to Conway. He became an active member of First Baptist Church of Conway and found friendship and fellowship in the ''Coaches Class''. But city life wasn't quite enough for a man who loved open skies and country roads. In 2015, the family moved to Enola, Arkansas, where Curtis embraced a slower-paced life raising cows, spending time with his dog Satchmo, serving as a greeter at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church and finding purpose among friends in the Adult 3 Sunday School class.

Even after retiring from coaching, Curtis stayed close to the action. He began officiating football and basketball games across southeast Arkansas many nights during the week in the fall and winter seasons. The gym and the field were his second homes, and he wore his stripes with pride and purpose.

Outside of the classroom and court, Curtis was happiest in the woods, on the water or at the golf course. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing golf and simply spending time outdoors with those he loved. He also never missed a chance to support the Mt. Vernon-Enola Warhawks, especially when they hit the hardwood. Cheering from the stands, he brought the same passion for the game that marked his own days on the bench.

Curtis was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Dennis and Dewayne; his beloved wife, Catherine and his son, Brian. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, loyalty and love that will live on through his daughter, Ashley (Bill); grandson, Jarret (Kaitlyn); his daughter, Brooke (Adam); grandson, August and granddaughter, Cate; his brother, Larry (Donna); a host of nieces and nephews, special friends and all those whose lives he touched.

A celebration of Curtis's life will be held on Wednesday, May 14th at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the service to follow at 10:00 a.m. Graveside services will take place at 3:00 p.m. at Kelso Cemetery in Rohwer, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Kelso Cemetery Association.

Though the final whistle has blown, Curtis Thurman's legacy will echo in gymnasiums, classrooms and hearts for years to come.

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