Curtis Dean Mong (81) departed this world to stand before his heavenly Father on Sunday, January 11th, 2015.  Curtis was born March 8th, 1933 unto John A. Mong & Barbara (Weaver) Mong.  He was the 4th of 8 loving children born & raised on the family’s farm south of Ogallah, on Big Creek.

Curtis proudly served overseas with the U.S. Army from May 1953 through April 1955 in the Korean War.

We’re told Curtis’ eyes smiled brightest on June 29th, 1957 when he took Dorothy A. Opat as his loving bride.  Nearly 52 years later I know his eyes cried the saddest tears as we all watched Dorothy go to be with Jesus on June 11th, 2009.  Grandpa proudly spoke often and very fondly of Dorothy, or Mother as he called her.

Curtis and Dorothy both made a comfortable home for their 3 children as Curtis honed his skills as a carpenter & drywaller.  After more than 40 years as a self-employed drywaller Curtis finally retired.   He traded in his ole beat up coffee thermos for a slightly stained coffee mug that he would leisurely enjoy a weak cup of coffee at his kitchen table.  He traded his drywall paddle in for a deck of playing cards so he wouldn’t be too far from a quiet yet friendly game of solitaire.  And if you couldn’t find Curtis at the kitchen table chatting with family &/or friends then odds were high you’d find him tinkering in his wood shop.

Curtis invested countless house “tinkering” which consisted of designing & building beautiful things from wood such as picture frames, doll toys, baby furniture, holiday décor and so much more.  The projects often were gifts for one of his 4 loving grandchildren, Matthew Mong and his wife Angela, Ean Mong and his wife Lindsey, Chelsea & sister Hailey Mong.  Curtis also treasured every moment with his 3 precious great grandchildren, Madison Kate & Nora Grace, and Owen Curtis.

Curtis was a proud and lifetime member of the VFW – Post 3449, and the American Legion – #197.

Curtis is survived by his three supportive children, John Mong & his wife Darla of Wakeeney, Jaine Mong of WaKeeney, and Jerry & his wife Sheri of Las Vegas, NV.  He is survived by his brothers Clayton Mong of Great Bend, Charles Mong of WaKeeney and his sister, Corlene Mong of Ogallah KS.

Preceding him in death were his parents John & Barbara Mong, his wife Dorothy Mong, and brothers Clyde Mong, Clarence Mong, Clifford Mong and Carroll Mong.

We treasure our memories of Curtis as we store thoughts of his eyes that smiled and a laugh that warmed our hearts.  We will teach those still here how Grandpa Curtis loved his family.  His legacy will not be forgotten.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 15, 2015 at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney.  Burial with military honors by Ft. Riley Honor Guard will be at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery, WaKeeney.

Visitation and viewing will be from 9:00 a.m. to service time at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery at WaKeeney.  Checks made to the organization may be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS  67672.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.schmittfuneral.com.