James F. (Frank) Curlee

Carterville- James Franklin Frank Curlee, 82, of Carterville, died at 10:50 PM, Saturday, April 24, 2004 at St. Josephs Hospital in Murphysboro. James was born on August 8, 1921 in Piper, Alabama to Gus & Hanna (Parker) Curlee. He married Patricia Armstrong on March 23, 1940 in Herrin. She preceded him in death on January 3, 1978. He married Mary Brewer on June 12, 1979 in Herrin and she preceded him in death on February 22, 1999. Mr. Curlee retired as a bricklayer for union local #8 of Champaign. He worked formerly as a welder of Liberty ships for the Alcoa Company during WWII in Vancouver, BC and as a coal miner locally. He was a member of the Second Baptist Church of Herrin. The cornerstone of the church was dedicated in memory of the Curlee family. Frank enjoyed singing gospel hymns, hunting rabbits, deer and geese, and fishing for crappie at Lake of Egypt. He was a gardener and enjoyed canning his vegetables. Frank was also a handyman who enjoyed working around the house fixing this or improving that. SURVIVORS: Son- Jimmie Leon Curlee- Herrin Daughter & son in law- Donna J. & Frank Roper- McLeansboro Son- Danny Curlee- Marion Son & dau in law- Michael Franklin & Vicki Curlee- Anchorage, Alaska Son & dau in law- Gary Lawrence & Patty Gibbs- Crenshaw Crossing Daughter & son in law- Donna J. & Frank Roper- McLeansboro Nine Grandchildren Nineteen Great Grandchildren Brother- Wallace Curlee- Mobile, AL Many nieces & nephews, aunts & uncles Special Friends: Carole Brusatti- Herrin Pauline Turner- Herrin His parents, wives, five brothers and one sister preceded him in death. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, April 28, 2004 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Rev. Don Colson will officiate. Entombment will follow at Herrin City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8:00 PM, Tuesday, April 27, 2004 at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to Marion VFW Post #1301 and will be accepted at the funeral home. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.