Harry Curless

Harry W. Curless, 93, of Havana, passed away at 11:02 a.m. on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at Mason District Hospital in Havana. He was born July 13, 1922 in Astoria, IL to Roy and Bessie (Grove) Curless. He married Wanda Colleen Watkins on January 4, 1949. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife and is survived by his daughters, Debra Sharpe (husband Neil) and Ellen Gex and his two grandsons, Nicholas Gex and Alexander Gex.
Harry was a veteran of WWII. He served with distinction in the US Air Force, receiving the Air Medal, with three clusters for Distinguished Service, four Presidential Citations and the Air Medal with four Bronze Stars. He was in the 20th Air Force as part of the original B-29 Hellbirds. His service included India, China, Burma, the Mariana Islands (Tinian and Saipan) and Africa, serving from 1942 – 1946.
Harry enjoyed trapshooting. He had competed over the years at local, state and the Grand American International Handicap shoots, winning many honors and trophies, finishing in the top ten many times.
Harry was a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge, the Illinois Trapshooting Association and the Air Force Association. He retired after 42 years at Illinois Power Company.
The love of his life was his family. He cared deeply for all children. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children or the Illinois Masonic Children’s Homes.
Funeral services will be held at Hurley Funeral Home in Havana on Monday, January 25, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior to the services. Burial will follow the services at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Havana. Wayne Curless will officiate.
Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.