WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Ewell “Gene” McCurry, age 71, of Sturgis, passed away Friday, March 6, 2009, at the Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.
He was born Feb. 3, 1938, in LaMesa, Texas, a son to the late Rochell and Dorthy (Brown) McCurry.
Gene has been a resident of Sturgis most of his life except for 20 years he spent serving in the U.S. Army.
On June 10, 1989, in Sturgis, he married Sandra (Robbins) Northrop.
Gene retired from the U.S. Army on May 31, 1976, after serving 20 years, eight months, and 21 days. After retirement he worked for Autoworks, Autozone, and Putnam Hitch Products. He enjoyed spending time with all of his grandchildren, golfing, bowling, and watching sports and TV shows.
He was a past member of the Sturgis Eagle’s Lodge where he enjoyed participating in the “Puttin on the Hits” shows to raise money for charity.
Surviving are his wife, Sandra; children, Debbie (Bobby) Siler of Lakewood, Wash., Tammy (Justin) Pottinger and Shea (Matthew) Teems both of Georgia; five grandchildren, Steven, Daniel, Christopher, Sophie, and Cheyenne; pme great-grandson, Jack; stepchildren, Troy (Beth) Northrop of Fredricktown, Ohio, David (Lori) Northrop of Sturgis, Stephen (Tracy) Northrop of Columbia, SC, Sandra Michele Combs of Holland, Mich., and Rhonda Northrop of Sturgis; step-grandchildren, Tiffany, Crystal, Mike, Josh, Kelly, Caleb, Amanda, Kayli, Kara, and Riley; step-great-grandchildren, Carmen, Olivia, and Ava; step-father, Thomas Richard Dull
He was preceded in death by his father, Rochell McCurry; mother, Dorthy Dull, and a half-brother, Bruce Dull.
A memorial service celebrating the life of Ewell “Gene” McCurry will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, at the Sturgis Wesleyan Church with Evangelist Troy Northrop, Palmyra Church of Christ, officiating. Full military rites will be conferred by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and Capt. John J. Kelley V.F.W. Post #1381.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial donations by directed to the Sturgis Fire & Rescue Dept., 124 N. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091 or Hospice of Sturgis, P.O. Box 126, Sturgis, MI 49091. Envelopes are available at the Hackman Family Funeral Homes, which is in charge of the arrangements.
