The earthly life of Curtis Lelon Reeder ended August 14, 2007, as he began his eternal adventure with his Heavenly Father. In his new home, Curtis has been reunited with his cherished wife, Laura, and countless family members and friends. Born December 12, 1917, Curtis was the only child born to Zachariah L. and Rossie Tankersly Reeder. His first mother died during the flu epidemic of 1918 when he was 10 months old. While motherless, his grandparents and aunts and uncles embraced him, and he flourished amid the farmlands of Collin County. Within a few years, he and his father met Curtis’ second mother, Almeda Lois Carroll, who proudly called the little boy “son.” In addition to finding a new mother, Curtis found a sister in the new “family package” —Almeda’s young daughter, Alma. From his parents, Curtis learned to appreciate the land, which his family farmed. As a contributing family member, Curtis learned at an early age to plant and harvest crops, tend livestock, and comprehend the importance of an honest day’s work. His parents created a solid foundation for him when they first united and blended their lives. Curtis attended the Lucas and Plano Schools. During his school days, he especially enjoyed playing baseball and football, but probably his most memorable school experience was meeting his sweetheart, Laura. Together they graduated from Plano High School in 1939, and Curtis credited Laura with “getting him through.” He said, “She wrote some of my best papers.” Curtis and Laura married November 8, 1946, and they lived like all their other neighbors in Lucas – on a farm. In a short amount of time, Curtis and Laura welcomed two children: first a daughter, Virginia, and then a son, Rick. Curtis served as a major influence on both his children. As a youngster, he developed a great appreciation for education and those who served as his teachers. He often shared stories of many of the “stand-out” instructors he had encountered during his youth. From his appreciation of those individuals, he persuaded both of his children to become career educators. Curtis’ philosophy of life was founded in a few simple truths: Don’t be afraid to work hard. Be a good neighbor. Respect the wisdom that comes from experience. And in the end, goodness really does prevail. Along with his daughter, Virginia Cotten, and his son, Rick Reeder, Curtis leaves his special granddaughter, Ginger Gouvion, and her husband Dr. Michael Gouvion; his sister Alma Chesney; brother, Ralph Reeder and wife, Edna; sister-in-law Ruby Wilmoth; sister- in- law and husband, Ruth and Wayne Farrar; sister-in-law, Ruby Fuller; many cousins, nieces, and nephews; his favorite preacher, “Charlie,” and wife Jo Ann; his good friend Jim Cate; members of the Lucas Loafers from the Lucas Store; those Wylie women; his friend Venita Ellis and the Senior Citizens lunch group; friends from the First Baptist of Lucas; and all his friends from Colonial Lodge. The Reeder family wants to extend special thanks for all the love that was shared with Curtis over the years. Special thanks to the caregivers from Senior Select; both Dr. Billy Boring (Sr. and Jr.) and their staff; Vitas Hospice Care; and all the wonderful staff members and residents of Colonial Lodge of McKinney. Services will be held at 12:00, Noon, Friday, August 17, 2007, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen, Texas. Family and friends are invited to the funeral home at their convenience on Thursday to pay their respects and sign the register book. Interment will follow at Frankford Cemetery in Addison. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to one of the following: Stan Shannon Scholarship Fund – established for graduating at-risk students –Make checks to the Stan Shannon Scholarship Fund in care of Rockwall Quest Academy, 1050 Williams Street, Rockwall, TX 75087. Colonial Lodge of McKinney Rose Garden.– Colonial Lodge will accept rose bushes for their rose garden. Any charity of choice.