SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Col. Philip E. Curtis, 92, died Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011, after a brief illness. He was born May 26, 1918, in Presque Isle, the son of Benjamin A. and Hope A. Curtis.
He was educated in Presque Isle schools and the University of Maine, where he played on the varsity football and basketball teams. Col. Curtis served 30 years with the U.S Armed Forces. For two years he was an officer in the First Infantry Division, U.S. Army, and for 28 years he served in the U.S. Air Forces. He flew in the European Theatre of Operations during World War II, and served 14 years in the Strategic Air Command, one tour of which was as base commander at Loring Air Force Base, which was 14 miles from his boyhood farm. At the end of his military career he took up residence in San Antonio, Texas, and was employed by the United Services Automobile Association. He was a member, elder and worker at Christ Fellowship Church. For 20 years he was on the associate staff and south Texas area chairman of the Christian Business Men’s Committee of the USA, headquartered in Chattanooga, Tenn.
He was predeceased by his wife and companion of 64 years, Julia, who traveled with him to many places. Survivors include a son and his wife, retired U.S. Marine Corps fighter pilot Dr. Ronald J. and Ryuko Curtis of Beaufort, S.C.; a brother, Ben A. Curtis of Lewiston; and a sister, Joan Michaud and her husband, Philip Michaud, of Presque Isle. There are also a number of cousins, nieces and nephews.
A service will be held noon Thursday, Feb. 3, at Porter Loring North Chapel with the Rev. Floyd Lewis officiating. Interment with full military honors will be afterward at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Fellowship Church, 5440 Vance Jackson Road, San Antonio, TX 78230 or National Christian Business Men’s Committee of USA, 1800 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37404. Arrangements with Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 North Loop, 1604 East, San Antonio, Texas. You are invited to sign the guest book at
www.porterloring.com.