Dennis Duane Curlee Jr.

On the afternoon of Monday October 31, 2016 Duane Curlee passed from this earth straight into the arms of Jesus Christ. Unexpectedly, he died in a one vehicle accident on Highway 111 north on his way home in Edna. Although it was not predicted it was in God’s perfect timing. Duane was totally prepared for this moment as he was spiritually in the right place and time of his life to come face to face with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.     He was born on Monday, Aug. 12, 1974 to Dennis Duane Curlee and Barbara Curlee Woods. He came into the world at Nightingale Hospital in El Campo, weighing 10 lbs. 12 oz. and was 21 inches long. He was a big baby boy with a “big” heart that would have an impact on so many lives. He graduated from Edna High School in 1992. Duane played defensive tackle for the EHS football team who made it all the way to the state semi-finals. He was the heart of the fighting football team and district champ in shotput.     Through the years some of his choices became the building blocks that molded him into the Godly man that he was destined to be which was a part of his testimony proving that he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him.     His second grade year of school he would visit his much-loved grandmother, Beverly Curlee, at the City of Edna office where she worked for many years. This cute little blonde haired boy would get a glimpse of his one day future wife who was a student working at the water department.     As both Duane and Charlotte attended First Baptist Church, he later told her he would get so excited when his family parked close to the “Quinn” parking spot. When they did this, he would get to see the pretty girl with the red lipstick on. Much time and many years passed before the two would have a pure friendship that would include community involvement and interactions. One of these instances was him being presented with the 2009-2010 “Lion of the Year award” by Charlotte, who was the winner of the award from a previous year. Without ever imagining and never planned, this friendship would eventually lead to their paths coming together.     On Aug. 14, 2011, he and the love of his life began their love journey that lead to their marriage on Sept. 15, 2012. At First Baptist Church in Edna, Duane would play a very important role as an active member in which he would serve on mission trips to the Dominican Republic, teach Sunday school, be a leader of the “Fusion” youth group, make Faith visits, volunteer to cook, sing in the choir, and participate in his most recent passion, the Thursday night men’s Bible study. Hours before his death he had just worked on and typed a mission description about a new ministry the men were about to begin as they felt it was God’s calling. So excited over this new project, Duane had a revived energy, a bounce in his step, and a smile that would light up a room. His beautiful brown eyes were eager to look for the needs in the community and be a servant.     He was preceded in death by paternal grandfather, Roy Dave Curlee and grandmother Beverly Hoffman Curlee; maternal grandparents, Jo and Wanda Taylor, and his father Dennis Duane Curlee.     He is survived by his best friend and soulmate Charlotte Sue Quinn Curlee; children Scarlett Sue Hicks Muniz (Miguel) and Hunter Ray Hicks (Vanessa); grandchildren Rudy Muniz, Bianca Muniz, Matthew Muniz and Myka Kennedy Muniz; his mother Barbara Curlee Woods and a special dad Thomas Woods. He is also survived by his brother Aaron Curlee and sweet nephew Tyler Curlee; a special sister Cassie Woods Pokluda (Allen) and their children Caitlin and Jace; as well as many wonderful cousins, aunts, and uncles.     Although Duane was not a biological father he was a “daddy” to many. He was known as Big D, Kool Aid, Bubba, and Papa D-which was his favorite. His pride joy and love were for his grandchildren Myka, Matthew, and Bianca. The little ones will forever have a memory of their Papa D’s big strong voice and playful spirit. Duane shared many of those big hugs with many that no one will ever be able to replace.     Duane’s passion was cooking. He had the art of taking the simplest of things and turning them into a gourmet meal. He loved fishing, hunting, and just being outdoors, never taking a beautiful sunrise and sunset for granted. He also loved to sing, was a people person who never met a stranger, and a true gentlemen who still opened the doors for ladies. This sweet, gentle, kind soul left this earth just as he entered it, surrounded by angels. He was a gift from God designed with a purpose to make a difference and a big man with big shoulders and an even bigger heart. Without a doubt we know he is in paradise. Until we meet again, we love and miss you. Our lives are forever changed by you. Thank you for being a part of our journey and our lives.     Ⅱ Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new Creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.