Curtis Burdette Mikels

Curtis Burdette Mikels, 80, of Unionville, MO went to be with the Lord Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2015 while a resident at the Putnam County Memorial Hospital. Curtis was born to Perry Curtis Mikels and Freeda Jewell Smith Mikels on December 9, 1934 during a huge snow storm. He was delivered by his Aunt Faye Smith in rural Exline, IA.

Curtis Mikels was united in marriage to Frances Louise Baldwin on January 25, 1958 and to this union five children were born completing their blessings. Curtis farmed in southern IA and northern MO. His enjoyment was caring for his farm animals, especially the family dogs and “Granny,” his six-toed cat. Curtis loved to sit in his mechanical chair in the yard and visit with neighbors and the people driving by. The sports of baseball, basketball, and football were his entertainment on TV. Curtis was a very devoted husband, son, father, and grandfather.

Curtis graduated from the Moravia, IA High School in 1954. After graduation Curtis worked in a factory in Colorado. He returned to Iowa to farm and in addition he drove a gas delivery truck, a school bus, and worked for 16 years for the MO Highway Department before retiring on disability.

Curtis was a member of the United Methodist Church. Curtis was a resident of the Putnam County Care Center for just over a year due to his many health problems. During his residency he made many friends including staff members and nurses where he enjoyed joking and praising them.

Curtis’s grandchildren were his pride and joy. He enjoyed giving plenty of hugs and getting and giving attention. He gave good advice, was a good listener, and demonstrated the correct way to live life, especially to his grandsons as they grew up.

Curtis is survived by his wife, Louise of the home, 2 sons, David “Possum” Mikels and wife Paula and Dale Mikels and wife Nancy of Unionville, MO. Curtis’s three surviving daughters are Debbie Good and husband Jim of Livonia, MO, Dottie Odegaard and husband Larry of Urbandale, IA, and Denise Chapman and husband Jeff of Etna, OH. Curtis is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren (with 2 on the way), one great-great grandchild and many nieces and nephews. His surviving brother is Gerald Mikels of Centerville, IA and his surviving sisters are Carleta Stocker,of Moravia, IA, Marvelee Davis of Bradenton, FL, and Patsy Williams of Boonville, MS.

Funeral services for Curtis Mikels were held on December 1, 2015 at 11:00am at the Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO. Visitation was held one hour prior to his service. Casket bearers were Justin Mikels, DC Mikels, John Tennill, Derrick Westmoreland, Wes Rowland, Billy Holland, Galen Baldwin, and Josh Good. Honorary bearers were Tanner Chapman and TJ Chapman with Rev. Homer Poor conducting the service.

Memorials for Curtis are suggested to the Putnam County Ministerial Alliance and may be entrusted to the Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.