William “Bill” Curtis 1928 – 2026

William ‘Bill’ Curtis passed away on August 17, shortly after celebrating his 98^th birthday.  He was at home with his wife, Helen Shepherd.  He had many visits from friends and family during his time in hospice care at home as they reminded him of the good times.

Bill was born in LeHarpe, Kansas, and spent most of his early years in nearby Iola. After high school, he joined the Army Air Force and soon became a supervisor in an airfield tower in Okinawa. After leaving the service, he completed three years of college, married, and joined Boeing, beginning a long engineering career in aerospace. At the time, advancement in aerospace often meant moving between cities and companies, taking Bill from Wichita to Seattle and then to several California cities. His final career move was to TRW, Inc., Redondo Beach, where he worked on various projects, including the Moon Lander.

Bill had 5 older sisters to keep him from trouble, but from his stories, you know he had plenty of opportunities for mischief.  During his various moves, he found time for sports. When the family moved to Chula Vista CA, he took up ocean fishing.   Later, in Sacramento, he took up diving and skiing.  He joined the Wailers Ski Club in Torrance, which gave him a lifelong group of active friends.  His sons lived with him during various times while they were growing up.

Ski trips with the Wailers introduced Bill to Helen, with whom he shared more than 50 years of marriage. They retired in Mammoth, where they enjoyed skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, and storytelling over coffee with a close circle of friends. Bill’s sense of humor followed him wherever he went. He had a remarkable smile.  He is survived by his sons, Randy and Chris; four grandchildren, Ashley, Kevin, Russell, and Ian; and his great-granddaughter, Tawnie.

Bill volunteered for the LAPD while in LA and for Friends of the Library (MFOL) and Mammoth Hospital Auxiliary here in Mammoth.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations to MFOL or the Hospital Auxiliary.  A funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph Church in Mammoth on September 12, 2026 at 11:00am.