Gayle Eugene Curtis, age 89, of Vienna, was born August 5, 1933, in Maries County, a son of William Albert and Lucy Josephine (Tackett) Curtis, and passed from this life Monday, November 28, 2022, in Adams Place, Jefferson City.

On August 10, 1953, at St. Louis, Gayle entered active federal service in the United States Army, and served until May 27, 1955, when he was honorably discharged at Fort Knox, Kentucky, at the rank of Private First Class.  During his military career, Gayle had service training in Tractor-Scraper-53 and was assigned to Company B 299 ^th Engineer Battalion.  A man of excellent character, his "Honorable Discharge" is a testimony of dedicated and selfless service to his country.

He was united in marriage November 10, 1956, at Fenton, to the former Miss Darlene Audrey Bye, and to this union, four children were born.

In earlier years, Gayle had been employed by Ford Motor Company, St. Louis, for four years prior to his military service.  He was later employed as a wood cutter and in farming for most of his working life.  Gayle and his wife, Darlene, were the owners and operators of the Stockyard Inn Restaurant, Vienna, for four years as well.  He had also been employed at the MFA Farmers Elevator Company, Argyle.

During his years in the Vienna community, Gayle was a member of the Vienna United Methodist Church.  He was a board member and avid supporter of the annual Maries County Feeder Calf Sale which was held at the sale barn south of Vienna for many years.  Gayle enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, and being with his family.

Gayle is survived by: His two sons, Bruce Curtis (Cindy) and Wade Curtis (Timberly), all of Vienna; one daughter, Cynthia Schmitz of Westphalia; ten grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren and another one anticipated in January of 2023; nephews; nieces; other relatives; and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by:  His wife, Darlene Curtis; one son, Eric Curtis; his parents, William and Lucy; three brothers, Albert Curtis, Mart Curtis, and Lawrence Curtis; and six sisters, Launa Myer, Mamie John, Jewell Tippett, Alpha Tripp, Belva James, and Beulah Manuel.

Visitation for Mr. Gayle Curtis will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 2, 2022, in the Vienna United Methodist Church, 104 Highway 63, Vienna, MO 65582, with his funeral service following at 11:00 a.m. in the church with Rev. Larry Sorrells officiating under the direction of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, Vienna.

Interment for Mr. Curtis will be in James Community Cemetery, near Vienna, with Jason Curtis, Joshua Curtis, Bryan Curtis, Curtis Schmitz, Braden Schmitz, and Cody Schmitz as his pallbearers, and Amanda Helton, Jessica Thompson, Nickole Curtis, and Makayla Curtis as his honorary pallbearers.

Immediately following the cemetery service, the Curtis family extends an invitation to all in attendance to share a meal with them in the Vienna United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.

Memorials in memory of Mr. Gayle Curtis are suggested by his family to the Sunday school and Bible school programs of the Vienna United Methodist Church with envelopes available at the church the day of his service or in care of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 250, Vienna, MO 65582.

Online condolences may be shared with the family of Mr. Gayle Curtis at www.birminghammartinfuneralhomes.com