Obituary of Lionel J. Curtis

Lionel J. Curtis passed away on December 16, 2014, at the age of 92. He was born on November 2, 1922 and grew up on a farm in Portville, New York. He enlisted with the Army Air Corp and entered into active duty in 1943 as an Airplane Electrical Specialist, instructing airplane crews on maintenance and repair of electrical systems on B-29 airplanes. He was a Staff Sergeant, served as an engineer/gunner in a Liberator B-24 bomber, engaged in forty- six combat missions, and was awarded the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters. He was honorably discharged at the end of 1945. He was employed by Ford Motor Company as an industrial electrician for 30 years. He lived in Lakeview with his wife, Wilma Grace Norton Curtis. In 1963 the family moved to the farm in Eden. Shortly after the move Wilma passed and Lionel proceeded to raise their 3 children as a single father. He loved horses and owned several over the years. For the past 25 years, with his life partner, Jacqueline Wenglik, they raised and showed llamas at Strawberry Hill Farm. They have made many community appearances at nursing homes, schools, and local parades. They established and were superintendents of the Llama Department and Show at the Erie County Fair. They supported and ran the Strawberry Hill Hummer 4-H Llama Club, who have shown llamas at the Erie County Fair, NYS Fair, and Eastern Regional Llama Shows. He was devoted to managing the day-to-day activities and working with his llamas. He had a deep love and appreciation for nature. He especially loved his family and spending time with his grandchildren. Loving father of Steven L., Douglas A. (Robin) Curtis and Gloria J. (Charles) Gange. Step-father of Alora A. (David) Gross, Kimberly L. (Meg) Curtis and late Renee L. Paszek. He is survived by his life partner of 39 years, Jacqueline Wenglik and one sister Marie Palmer. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren: Jason Curtis, Morgan Gange, Justin Gange, Nathaniel Gange, Garrett Gross, Trevor Gross, Aubree Gross, Maddison Paszek, Alexandra Curtis, Samantha Curtis, Arden Curtis-Gehl and HunterCurtis-Gehl.