Melvin Curtis lived 106 yrs

Mel Curtis, native of Ok., celebrated his 106th earthly birthday on May 26, 2022, and went to his heavenly home on May 30, 2022.

We can go back to his 2 sets of grandparents being in the Okla Land Rush and staking claims side by side on the old Uncas Road bringing his parents together.

Mel was born in Uncas, Okla., on May 26, 1916. He rode a horse to elementary school in Newkirk, Okla. and graduated from Braman High School in 1936. He was proud to buy his first car, a Model T in Blackwell for $10, money he had earned by following the harvest in the summer.

Mel met his wife, Helen Harris of Blackwell, at the Grange Hall located between Braman and Blackwell. They were married in 1938, in Blackwell. They had a double wedding with Helen’s sister, Doris, and Clifford Lamkin, also from Braman. The couples celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Blackwell. Mel and Helen went on to celebrate their 69th anniversary.

Due to hard times when Mel and Helen were first married, they decided to go to California. They drove their 1932 Chevy along RT.66 settling in San Bernardino, where their daughter, Janice, and son, Gary, were born Mel went to Wichita, KS. for awhile working at Boeing but returned to CA.

Mel soon found employment in San Bernardino as an electrician. There was only one stipulation and that was he had to milk the boss’ cow every morning.

Mel served in the army during WWII, under General Douglas Mac Arthur in the Philippines. He also discovered he was 4th cousin to VP Charles Curtis who served with President Herbert Hoover.

When Mel was discharged, he became an electrical contractor and started his own business, Mel Curtis Electric, in San Bernardino, CA. He was a member of the IBEW for 81years.

Mel and Helen made many many trips between CA and OK. When Mel retired they bought property in Ponca City where they moved the Nardin 1897 Railroad Depot. The depot became a great place for friends and family to gather and make Mel’s favorite homemade banana ice cream. They always enjoyed doing the two step at the senior dances in the surrounding area. Mel liked riding horses, bowling, fishing and always liked a good football or basketball game.

After Helen passed in 2008, Mel moved to Indio, CA but contined to visit Okla. regularly. He was asked to be the Grand-Marshal at the Braman Homecoming parade in 2014 He drove his own 2014 Lincoln, a far cry from his Model T..

Mel’s daughter, Janice and husband, Ted Norris, have two sons, Greg and Gary. Greg and wife, Yvette, have 3 children. Jared, Hannah and Brady. Jared is married to Mary. Gary and wife Alison, have 2 sons Quinn and Jaxon.

Mel’s son, Gary, and wife, Carol, have two daughters, Shannon and Shellie. Shannon and husband, Rod Friesen, have two children, Emily and Davis. Emily is married to Noah Valerio.

Shellie is married to Eric Berry and has one son, Mark Mihalkovitz. Marks son, Hunter, is Mels first great-great grandchild.

Mel died at his daughters home in Indio, CA. with his family around him.

He was an “Amazing Man.”