Curtis LaPorte went to be with the Lord on December 14th, 2024. Originally from Hennessey, Oklahoma, Curt was the 6th of 9 children born to Gerald and Ella LaPorte. Curt's father was tragically killed in an accident when he was just 12 years old so he and his siblings took on added responsibilities to support the family. Of the LaPorte nine, three survive Curt: brother Pat LaPorte, sister Connie Wallace and Charles LaPorte (Nancy).

Curt excelled in athletics throughout his life; routinely beating playing partners less than half his age on the golf course as recently as late 2023, well into his 80s. As a young man, Curt was a 4-year letterman in three separate sports: football, baseball and basketball at Hennessey High School, earning All-State honors in football. With the help of a close family friend and mentor, he pursued a degree in education at Phillips University, graduating in 1961.  Upon graduation, he returned to Hennessey to marry his high school sweetheart, the former Janice Watson as she completed college. They moved to Wichita, Kansas to begin their life together, as educators in the public school system.

While teaching, Curt worked towards and earned a masters degree in Education Administration from Wichita State University; preparing him for what would be his profession going forward, a school principal. Curt was revered in Wichita as a principal, turning troubled schools around with his calm, quiet leadership and displaying his trademark character of treating staff, students, and parents as equally valued members of the school family. He and Janice welcomed their daughter there, raising her and continuing to serve in the Wichita public school system for over 30 years.

Humility, kindness and generosity are LaPorte family traits, and Curt blessed so many people with his unique blend. When it came time to send their daughter to college, Curt funded her school by taking on an additional job; working at Johnston's Menswear as a salesman. This not only funded Sarah's music degree, it also allowed him to upgrade his wardrobe with what Sarah describes as 'very snazzy duds'.

Curt and Janice retired in 1995 and moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas, where they built a house and immediately embraced all things Northwest Arkansas. His initial retirement didn't last long, however. The city of Gravette heard he had been an elementary school principal and asked him to assume that role for their K-6 school on short notice.  He brought his trademark upbeat attitude and kids-first approach to that school and while he only served three years before retiring again, he was remembered fondly by staff and former students for decades afterwards – often being recognized and thanked years later by those he touched in his short time there. Curt and Janice became active members of Bella Vista Church of Christ, where Curt is renowned as the "heart and spirit" of the congregation, personally welcoming with a warm smile and a handshake every single attendee each Sunday morning and serving as an elder for many years. Nobody could work a room like Curt, he had no enemies his entire life. All who met him liked him, a true example of a great Christian man – he truly lived the command "love thy neighbor".

Curt and Janice traveled the world and the United States; visiting China, Europe, most of the US and many many adventures with friends and family camping, RVing and just taking road trips. They actually RVed all the way to Alaska. Everywhere he went, Curt made friends. His spirit, positive attitude, legendary sense of humor and an ability to get along with anyone are his legacy; an example for all. He raised a great daughter, who in turn raised two awesome grandchildren that continue this legacy today. While he missed seeing the birth of his first great grandchild by only 4 days, that young man will carry Curt's legacy through his middle name and in the character he inherits from Curt.

Curt remained an avid sports fan his entire life, he enjoyed watching any sport on TV or in person, but especially loved his University of Arkansas Razorbacks. If it involved a ball, Curt would watch it. One of Curt's common refrains to nearly any topic was "Go Hogs". Seeing Curt in a shirt that wasn't red was rare.

While Curt loved sports and the Razorbacks, he loved his family above all. He yearned for connection with all he met, family or not, and this sincerity was felt by each of us.  He had incredible compassion for his siblings, their children, grandchildren, the entire extended family. Curt was intensely loyal and thankful for all of his blessings. He never forgot those who showed him grace and kindness, sharing stories well into retirement like the one of how his college education was funded by the family friend back in Oklahoma. He used this example from his own life to teach us how a simple act of kindness over 60 years ago paved the way for his success, a life he would not have had were it not for this one hero.

Curt poured his love, energy and resources into his daughter and son-in-law, his five grandkids, and countless other young people. Stories of his hijinks, dad jokes and silliness will live on for decades. One year, he gave the grandkids obscure, used books for Christmas, with an inscription on the inside cover detailing how he had written the book specifically for them. For years he had his daughter convinced the "watch for falling rock" signs in Colorado were placed by a native American chief who had lost track of his son. The son's name, of course, is Falling Rock. He had an innate ability to reach kids of all ages, even teenagers, making them feel valued in a genuine way with just a few words.

Without question, Curt's greatest legacy, and the most powerful lesson he taught us all, is the example of his marriage.  Curt and Janice remained together until his passing, an astounding 63 years of marriage - which began after 5 years of dating! They loved each other completely every day. The longest disagreement anyone ever saw between them lasted maybe 40 seconds, most were much shorter.  They were openly affectionate with each other until the very end. A quiet, simple example God's love for us and how He designed marriage to reflect that love. Curtis LaPorte will be missed, but the memory of how he lived his life will remain the gold standard for everyone who had the honor to know him.

A visitation will be 9:30am-10:30am Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Bella Vista Church of Christ followed by a memorial service at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you make a contribution to the Bella Vista Church of Christ Youth Group in Curt's honor.