Herman Mason Curtis Jr., 82, of Comanche, died Wednesday, October 15. He was born August 21, 1943, in a log house near Little Rock, Arkansas.

He graduated from Joe T. Robinson High School in Little Rock in 1961, then received his bachelor’s degree in organic chemistry from Arkansas State University. Continuing his education, he attended the University of Arkansas and received his master’s from the University of Oklahoma.

His career highlights include decades as a chemist with Conoco in Ponca City and with Halliburton in Duncan, plus 15 years intermittently as an assistant professor and chemistry lab manager at Cameron University.

He was a dedicated and Jesus-loving member of Lakeside Baptist Church.

Among his many interests were coffee, photography, horticulture, writing, and composing and performing music.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Arline Louise Long Curtis; daughters: Karen Price (Chris), and Joanne Curtis; sons: John Rivera (Twyla), Ron Rivera (Lyn) and Billy Curtis; a brother, Arthur Curtis Sr., of Rogers, Arkansas; a sister, Jeri Curtis Shire, of Paron, Arkansas; grandchildren: Mariah, Chase (Nancy), Colton, Christopher, Jennifer, Christopher, and Sam; great-grandchildren: Mateo and Oliver; and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman M. Curtis Sr. and Maxine Goforth Curtis; and sisters: Ann Curtis Killian and Cleda Curtis White Crowder.

Visitation is 2-4 p.m. Sunday, October 19, at Whitt Funeral Home in Duncan. Graveside services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, October 20, at Fairlawn Cemetery in Comanche.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Westview Boys Home or to your favorite charity.

Online condolences may be made at www.whittfh.com.