Curtis Harlan O’Rear
Curtis Harlan O’Rear, of League City, passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at his home in League City at the age of 87. He was born on September 6, 1936 in Clarendon, Texas to John and Esther O’Rear.
Curtis was an accomplished musician. As a young man he learned to play the cornet and trumpet. He was first chair in the Sam Houston Jr. High and the Amarillo High School bands. He later played in a Swing Jazz Band during his college years. After he and Suzy were married, he played with her in the Suzy Lee Trio Band where they performed at venues like t h e Amarillo Club.
Curtis graduated from Amarillo High School in 1955 and then from Texas Tech in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering:
Curtis met Suzanne (Suzy) Lee in High School and then reunited after they both returned from college at the Silver Grill where Suzy played the organ and piano as entertainment for the patrons of the restaurant. Curtis and Suzy married later on September 8, 1961.
Curtis and Suzy raised two sons, John Curtis O’Rear and Charles Vaughan O’Rear in Amarillo, Texas. Curtis worked for Diamond Shamrock (Maxus Energy) for 36 years. Curtis retired and pursued several other endeavors including real estate sales.
Curtis and Suzy moved to Kentucky in 2011 to be close to their son Charlie and then back to Texas in 2018 for the same reason where they have resided to now in Houston.
Curtis had four grandsons: Michael Curtis O’Rear and Sean Reeder O’Rear from his son John and his wife Shelly; Matthew Lee O’Rear and David Avery O’Rear from his son Charlie and Julie O’Rear. Curtis loved spending time with his grandsons.
Curtis has one great granddaughter, Brielle Ann O’Rear, from his grandson David and Samantha.
Curtis loved the outdoors. Palo Duro Canyon was always one of his favorite places. He hiked there with his sons Charlie and John on many occasions and also with his grandsons later on. One of his favorite places to vacation was Red River, New Mexico where he enjoyed time with his family.
We his family all love him and are sad to see him go, but happy that he will be safe in God’s loving arms.
Curtis, you will be missed!
Memorial may be made to Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, 2914 Swiss Avenue, Dallas, TX 75204 https://tpwd.texas.gov/business/donations/ .
Dear Charlie
I can imagine how beautiful was your father’s life, and how much did he love you, to move 2 times close to you.
He had a great family, and I’m sure he will be safe in God’s loving arms.
Please give a hug to your mom too.
What a beautiful eulogy for an amazing man! He was an incredible person to whom which I learned from so much in my life. I love you Grandpa, and I will miss you dearly. I will always treasure the years that I was able to spend so much time with you. Until we meet again.