Curtis Lewis Wheat

Curtis Lewis Wheat, 84, of Abilene, Texas passed away Wednesday, December 30, 2009. A celebration of his life and services will be at First Central Presbyterian Church at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 4th, preceded by a graveside service at 10:00 a.m. at Elmwood Memorial Park under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Dr. Clifford S. Stewart and Rev. Janice Six will officiate. Curtis was born in Graham, Texas in 1925, son of Opal and Lewis Wheat. He moved to Albany, Texas in 1936 where he graduated from Albany High School in 1942. He attended North Texas Agricultural College before he went into the U.S. Air Force where he served on a B29 as a flight engineer. He graduated from the University of Texas in 1948 with a B.A. degree. After graduating from college, he moved to Abilene and went into business with his father and brother. He married Georgan DeLafosse, September 10, 1946, at Matthew Memorial Presbyterian Church in Albany, Texas. They lived in Austin and Midland until they moved to Abilene in 1949. Curtis was a member of First Central Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon and an elder. He was a member and past president of the Breakfast Optimist Club, served on the Civic Center Board, and on the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Board. Curtis was a member of the Exchange Club and served on the Exchange Club Board of Control and he volunteered for Meals on Wheels for many years. After he retired, he spent most of his time in his work shop carving birds for his wife, children, and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 63 years; three daughters, Ginger O'Steen of Las Vegas, Sarah Johnson and husband Gary of Rockwall, and Karen Steinhorst and husband Cort of Piano; seven grandchildren, Will O'Steen of Las Vegas, Sassie Duggleby and husband Andrew of College Station, Nancy Johnson of Rowlett, Lanny O'Steen and wife Jennifer of Grapevine, Leigh O'Steen of Las Colinas, and Curt Steinhorst and Marjorie Johnson of Dallas. Also survived by five great-grandchildren and one brother, Harold. He was a loving and wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother. Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels Plus, Inc., P.O. Box 903, Abilene, TX 79604; First Central Presbyterian Food Pantry, 400 Orange St., Abilene, TX 79601; or the donor's favorite charity.