George Robert "Bob" Curtis

George Robert “Bob” Curtis, 91, of Luray, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025 surrounded by family after a brief illness at IU Health Ball Hospital. He leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, and a resilience that defined him. Born into humble beginnings, Bob learned early the value of hard work—lessons he carried with him throughout his life.

Bob was happiest under an open sky. Whether tending the land, working in his garden, or restoring one of his beloved tractors, he found purpose and peace in the outdoors. His hands were rarely still, and the things he built, fixed, or grew brought him joy. He was still farming up until the end, as he had been independently harvesting his last crop days before he passed. It was important to him to continue farming, as his father had done for many years. In addition to farming, he also worked at Hilgemeier’s Frozen Foods, Brooks Foods, and retired from Chrysler in New Castle.

A gifted gardener with a true green thumb, Bob could grow anything and loved watching each plant bloom under his care. He was always excited to share them with his late wife, Ann, as spring was her favorite time of year and she loved flowers. He especially treasured the flower bulbs he carried forward from his mother’s garden—living reminders of roots and family that endured across generations.

Bob had a fondness for Coca-Cola, a simple pleasure that brought him joy throughout his life. A collector of Coca-Cola memorabilia, he cherished each piece as much as he enjoyed each sip. In the final moments, his last wish was to enjoy one more Coke—an act so perfectly, simply Bob.

A natural teaser and jokester, Bob delighted in aggravating his family. Everyone has a “Bob story”—a funny memory, a quick-witted comment, or a moment that still brings a smile. He was not a man of many words, but Bob was always willing to lend a hand. He simply noticed what others needed and did his best to provide it. His life was a quiet testament to the belief that you take care of the people around you.

He is survived by his daughters, Kathy (Randy) Lucas and Pam Hammond; grandchildren, Eric Hammond (Misty), Heather (Andrew) Sebold, Amanda (Mike) Hughen, Matthew Lucas (Nicholas), and Jennifer Hammond; great grandchildren, Chandler, Kaycee (Denis), Noah, Blake (Blake O), Caleb, Chase, Saige, Peyton, Elijah, Lyric, Keyton, Ellary, Jacoby, and Nieko; brothers, Toby (Lynn) Curtis, Tony (Rose) Curtis and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Joyce “Ann” Curtis; parents, John Jackson and Lillie Mae (Humes) Curtis; a granddaughter, Brandi Hammond; four sisters, Estella Tucker, Merle "Trudy" Hampton, Linda Hicks and Margaret Hunt; six brothers, Phillip, Bill, Marion, Marvin, Jack and John Curtis.

Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Monday, November 24, 2025 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Chaplain Phil Rogers officiating. Burial will follow at South Mound Cemetery-West Lawn Addition. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday at the funeral home. You may express condolences or share a memory of Bob at www.hinsey-brown.com.