Dale Lawrence Curtis, 70, passed away on July 25, 2026, surrounded by his family. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories with the people he loved most.

Born on October 4, 1955, in Okarche, Oklahoma, Dale was the son of Bill R. and Opal I. Curtis. He graduated from El Reno High School in 1973 and later attended Central State University. On August 17, 1974, Dale married the love of his life, Debbie (Fowler) Curtis. Together they shared 51 years of unwavering love and devotion, raising a beautiful family, traveling, making memories, and building a life centered around one another.

Dale worked for Canadian County District 2, Bill's Dozer Service and Mustang Fuel before beginning his long career with the Federal Correctional Institution in El Reno, where he served for 24 years before retiring in 2011. After retirement, he continued doing what he loved by helping numerous local farmers and ranchers clear trees, build ponds, and improve their land, rarely passing up the opportunity to spend another day outdoors. Throughout his career, he was known for his kindness, dependability and strong work ethic. He took pride in a job well done and built lasting friendships that continued well into retirement.

Dale loved being outdoors. He loved to travel, fish, spend time on his Ranger bass boat, and take his grandkids tubing behind the family pontoon, Family Tradition. He also loved ending the day with a cold Coors Light, surrounded by family and friends.

A talented craftsman who could fix just about anything, Dale spent years transforming the family property at the river. Through hard work, vision and meticulous attention to detail, he turned it into a gathering place where family and friends always felt welcome. It became the heart of countless holidays, birthdays, family celebrations and evenings around the fire pit, often with Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings and Hank Williams Jr. playing in the background. Saturdays were spent cheering on the Sooners, Sundays watching the Dallas Cowboys, and family and friends gathered there to laugh, celebrate, and simply enjoy being together.

Above all else, Dale was devoted to his family. Known affectionately as "Poppy," he treasured every moment with his grandchildren. They were his greatest pride, and the memories they made together will be cherished forever.

Dale is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Debbie Curtis; his sons, Dallas Curtis and wife, Heidi, and Dusty Curtis and wife, Jennifer; his grandchildren, Samantha, Ruby, Wade, Colt and Owen; his brother, Ed Curtis and wife, Donna; his sister, Debbi Curtis; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Dayna and Gary Eaton; his sister-in-law, Donna Fowler; his brother-in-law, David Fowler; his mother-in-law, Bobbie Miller Fowler; his aunt, Marsha Hurst; his aunt and uncle, Dolores and Albert Dean; his uncle, Sam H. Curtis Jr.; along with several nieces and nephews he considered his own, many extended family members, dear friends, and countless children who were so close to him they also called him "Poppy Dale."

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill R. and Opal I. Curtis; his grandparents, Sam H. and Laura B. Curtis and Lawrence and Helena Chappell; and his father-in-law, Don Fowler.

Dale will be remembered for the life he built, the family he loved, the welcoming place he created for others, and the countless memories he made with everyone fortunate enough to know him. He will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Dale's honor to the El Reno Sportsman's Club Kid's Fishing Derby, helping future generations experience the joy of fishing that meant so much to him.

El Reno Sportsman's Club Kid's Fishing Derby
Attn: Kid's Fishing Derby
1809 Funda St.
El Reno, OK 73036

A celebration of Dale's life will be held at a later date. Family and friends will gather to share stories, laughter and memories in honor of a life well lived.