Frank Curre

Frank Curre, Jr.
August 10, 1923 - December 7, 2011

Frank Curre, Jr., 88, of Waco, one of the last living survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor and a retired pressman at the Waco Tribune-Herald for over 60 years, passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2011, the 70th anniversary of the attack. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, December 12, 2011 at OakCrest Funeral Home followed by burial with military honors at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation with Frank's family will be 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, December 11, at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Blvd. A video tribute honoring Frank's life will be shown during the visitation.

Frank was born August 10, 1923 in Waco to Frank and Ruby Mae Curre. He had one younger brother, Edwin Curre. During Frank's early years, he enjoyed playing in Cameron Park, painting and swimming in the Brazos River. When Frank was 9 years old, he sold papers on the corner of 5th Street and Austin Avenue for 5 cents a copy. He got two cents and the paper got 3 cents. He would run all the way home to 4th and Herring, where he lived and would give his Mother what he earned. They would go to the store and buy pinto beans for one half cent for 2 pounds.

He attended Waco High School before enlisting in the US Navy in June of 1941. He was stationed on the USS Tennessee on Battleship Row December 7, 1941 when the Japanese attacked. Just before the war ended, Frank married Alma Louise Head whom he had known since she was 5 years old. They were married 49 years until she went home to the Lord's house. When Frank returned home after the war, he returned to work at the Waco News Tribune and worked there faithfully serving his employer for over 60 plus years.

Frank thoroughly enjoyed drinking coffee and drinking it up at the McDonald's on 19th and Parklake Drive with all his retired and semi-retired and just plain working folks. He would drink coffee with Vets, retired Police Officers, teachers, Judges, nurses and anyone who wanted to sit down and shoot the bull. He was caring and compassionate to his fellow man. He loved talking and he never met at stranger. Everyone was always welcome to his home. He was known for taking people on their word or a handshake would do. He always loved his friends and spending time with them. Frank was well-known in the community and often was asked to speak about his life and experiences to local schools, civic clubs and even at sporting events. Frank also loved camping.

Franks' children meant the world to him. He loved his two girls and sons-in-law. His grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren brought him absolute joy. He was our "PaPa" and to everyone else as well. Relatives and non-relatives all called him PaPa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Alma Louise Curre; brother, Edwin Curre; and son-in-law, Timothy Orren Hunt.

Frank is survived by his daughters, Linda and her husband, Joseph Edward Lee of Waco and Peggy Hunt of China Spring; six grandchildren, Rebecca Ann Lee of Waco, Joseph Lee, Jr. and wife, Amanda of Waco, Lisa Jo Olivarez and husband, Robert of Bosqueville, Teresa Duncan and husband, Vince of China Spring, Douglas Hunt and wife, Kim of China Spring, and Timothy Hunt (ToTo) and wife, Lori of China Spring. 19 great grandchildren; five great great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and a world of friends.

The family wishes to express their thanks to Scott & White Hospice and Dr. Missy Bready. Also, a very special thank you to all of Frank's caregivers and papa's entire family that participated in his care during his final days.

Floral arrangements are welcome, but in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Frank Curre's name to the National Museum of the Pacific War c/o the Admiral Nimitz Foundation, 328 East Main Street, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624