Date Of Birth: April 3, 1939
Date Of Death: June 27, 2009

Curtis Oliver Bow, 70Parker City—Curtis (Curt) O. Bow died Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 4:45pm encircled with love by his wife, children and their spouses at Liberty Village Nursing Home after succumbing to a swift and unrelenting illness which began in December 2008. Curt was born in Muncie April 3, 1939 as the eldest child of Fred O. and Zida Ann (Smith) Bow. He is survived by two brothers and sisters-in-law, Paul and Judy Bow, Muncie, and John and Imogene Bow, Winchester. He is also survived by his sister Marilyn Kelly, Portland, and the family continues to mourn the November 2008 death of her husband, Robert (Bob) Kelly.Curt was a product of the consolidated township school system and attended numerous township schools prior to their closing. He graduated from Saratoga High School in 1956, where he played basketball. He attended Purdue University.Curt married Martha Kay Kelly December 16, 1960 in a small home wedding ceremony in Portland. As a very grand first wedding anniversary gift, a daughter was born into his life, Tamara (Tammy) K. Thorn (husband: Rob Thorn) Englewood, OH. Soon after, he was blessed with the birth of his second daughter, Kathy A. Hawn (husband: John), Pennville, IN. Years later and with much surprise, his son was born, Curtis O. Bow, Jr. (wife: Jennifer), Muncie.Curt provided well for his family. He retired in 1992 from Indiana Steel and Wire after working 32 years. His strong work ethic and appreciation of everyone helping complete a job are only a few of the numerous virtues passed along to his children. Later in retirement, Curt was a vendor of fruits and vegetables at the Minnetrista Farmers Market as well as other local farmers markets.Curt had many interests most centered on sports or the out of doors. He loved to fish. He loved to watch IU Basketball, NASCAR, and professional wrestling. In his younger days he was part of the volunteer fire crew at Winchester Speedway and Michigan International Speedway. Curt also maintained civic responsibilities as a longtime member of the Parker Volunteer Fire Department where he fulfilled roles as Chief, Assistant Chief, and earned state certifications as a Master Fire Fighter, Fire Instructor, and Arson Investigator. He was briefly a volunteer EMT with the first ambulance service in Parker City. Curt also had served as a Democratic Precinct Committeeman. Most recently Curt and Kay managed the Food Pantry at the Parker United Methodist Church, receiving accolades from organizations recognizing their hard work and compassion to those in need in the community.Curt is survived by seven grandchildren: Bethany Thorn (fiancé: Adam Becker), Fairborn, OH; Steven Thorn, making his grandfather proud while currently serving in Afghanistan with the US Army, and residing in Anchorage, AK with wife, Claire; Eric Thorn, Englewood, OH; Joshua Hawn, making his grandfather proud serving in the US Navy in Pensacola, FL; Jonathon Hawn, Pennville, IN; Brendan Bow, Muncie and Eleni Bow, Muncie. Christmas 2008 was a special time as he had the opportunity to meet his great-granddaughter, Monique Blanc, Anchorage, AK for the first time.The family invites friends to celebrate Curt’s life from 2pm to 5pm on Monday, June 29th at the Parker City United Methodist Church. Funeral Celebration with Pastor Sherrie Drake officiating will begin at 6:30pm. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Maxville, IN.The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations of non-perishable food items or money be given to the Parker United Methodist Church Community Food Pantry, 305 S. Main Street, Parker City, IN 47368 to honor Curt Bow.Funeral Services provided by Indiana Funeral Care at Fort Harrison.