Curtis Lee Bethel, Sr. Obituary

Curtis L. Bethel Sr., born January 12, 1940, in Cairo, Illinois, was a man of humble beginnings, vibrant spirit, and ever-present warmth. He spent his early years on "The Lake," attended Harrison Elementary School, and graduated from Washington High School in 1958. He continued his education at Indiana University of South Bend, a testament to his lifelong love of learning. 

Curtis became a Christian at a very young age & was devoted to the Lord all of his life. He was mentored by Rev. Chase & Rev. Henry Giden. 

Curtis, known for his infectious energy and boundless love for his community, began his professional journey at Studebaker, where he worked alongside his father Mack.  He was a man of many talents and passions. Curtis proudly served six years in the United States Army, and he was honorably discharged in July of 1965. After a rewarding tenure at Bendix, where he met his beloved wife. Georgia whom he affectionately referred to as "his baby," & “Sugar pie Honey Bun” Curtis retired only to serve his community once more as a proud driver of bus #285 for the South Bend Community School Corporation. He was also a member of the Glee Club in high school and the Driftwoods Men Social Group, he also earned the title of Marble Champion in 1955.

Curtis is survived by his wife, Georgia, his children; Corri Bethel and Curtis Bethel Jr., both of South Bend, IN., Steven Bethel Sr., of Michigan City, IN., Todd Jenkins of Atlanta, GA and Robin Jenkins of Phoenix, AZ.; his grandchildren Steven Bethel Jr., Curtis "Tre" Bethel III, Kennedy Bethel, Kenndall Bethel, Dasani Camille Bethel, Da'Mon Bethel, Justin Jenkins, and Delise Woods; his sisters Anna McCauley of Indianapolis, IN and Patricia Bethel of California; brothers Hayward (Mary) Bethel of Austin, TX, and Kenneth (Betty) Bethel of Grand Rapids, MI; his special friends, Sherwin Cunneguin of Las Vegas, NV, his travel buddy, George McCullough and his Army/Military friend, Lary Evans of Michigan City, IN. 

He was predeceased by his parents Mack and Myra L. Bethel; brothers Recee Bethel, Milton Bethel, Marvin Bethel and John Bethel; sister Florence Spriggs; and best friend since Kindergarten Walter "Fathead" Walker. Curtis also leaves behind a host of great-grandchildren who will fondly remember their "Grandpa Curtis".

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 11:00am EDT at the Pentecostal Cathedral COGIC, 1025 West Western Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, 46601. This will be followed by a Celebration of Life for Curtis at 12:00pm EDT at the same venue.

As we gather to celebrate Curtis's remarkable life, we invite all who knew him to share their memories and upload photos to his memorial page. His legacy is not just in his deeds, but in the lives he touched, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave. Curtis, your memory will forever be engraved in our hearts.