Curtis Kile

Believed to be the last remaining graduate of Brown Ranch School, Richard Curtis Kile passed away on January 18, 2014, in Coleman, Texas, at the age of 98 years, 6 months and 2 days. Curtis was born on July 16, 1915, near the twin oak trees just past the Trickham Road, a few miles east of Santa Anna.


He was the third child of Luther Austin Kile and Ulala Mahala McQueen Kile. He went to school at Liberty, Folk and Brown Ranch. Curtis served his country during WWII, along with three of his four brothers, leaving only one brother and one sister at home.


In 1952, he married Oleta Estes Sikes, and they were married for 42 years until her death in 1994. They lived most of their married life in Sabinal, Texas, where Oleta owned a fabric and tailoring store and Curtis worked as an aircraft engine inspector at Gary Aircraft in Hondo, Texas. He and Oleta joyfully shared the abundance from their pecan and peach orchards, their enviable vegetable gardens, and great meals at their well laden table. Curtis did most of the gardening and pecan shelling, and Oleta did the cooking, freezing and canning. They retired to Coleman in 1992. For most of the last decade, Curtis resided at the Sunday House on the Liberty Lane Ranch, a few miles from those twin oaks near which he was born.


Curtis, or Kurt as many called him, was the last remaining sibling from his family. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Luther, Wesley, Ben and Wayne Kile, and by his sister Winnie Lane; by his wife Oleta, and her son Wayne Gail Sikes.


Curtis was once known as the strongest man in Coleman County, and at any age, the title probably would have applied for the rest of his life. He was a warm and comforting shelter, a patient and gentle teacher, and he will be sorely missed by his daughter, Linda Burke and husband Jerry of San Antonio, his grandchildren, Holly (Steve) Hall, Glenn Kay Burke, Matthew Armstrong all of San Antonio, Eric (Julie) Armstrong of Copperas Cove, Kindra Holder, and Clifton (Laura) Sikes all of Midland. He is also survived by his step grandsons, Jon and Michael Burke; great-grandchildren Ashley, James, Olivia, Tyler, Zachary, and Christopher Armstrong, Avery Hall, Kinsey and Jeff Holder, Austin Sikes, Chris Clardy, and one great-great granddaughter, Riley Armstrong.


Also surviving Uncle Kurt are his precious niece and nephews and their spouses to whom he was particularly close these last years, Dr. Ward (Pat) Lane, Danny (Sally) Lane, and Peggy (Gilbert) Young, and numerous other equally cherished nieces and nephews and their families; and by his canine companion, Lady. Through the many kindnesses Curtis extended, the numbers of friends, including family are, unfortunately too many to list.


A special thanks to the people at Coleman Healthcare Center, to the Hendrick Hospice staff, and to Dr. Atwood for their skilled and loving care; and sincerest gratitude to his dear Evelyn Alonzo.


There will be visitation beginning at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 21, at Stevens Funeral Home, with the service at 1:30 p.m. in the chapel. Burial will follow in the Brown Ranch Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.


Please sign his online guestbook at www.livingmemorials.com.