Curtis Ray Hartley

Curtis Ray Hartley, 85, of Herrin, IL graduated to Heaven at 6:00 AM on Tuesday, April 7, 2020. Curtis passed in the comfort of his home surrounded by loved ones after a sudden onset of extreme short term illness. He was born on February 6, 1935 in West Frankfort, IL to Loren and Virdie (Parrish) Hartley. He married the love of his life Donna Allen on August 26, 1955 in Corinth, Mississippi. Curtis and Donna had two children, Michael Hartley and Victoria Hartley. Donna preceded Curtis in death on November 5, 2013. Michael preceded his father in death on February 21, 2017. Victoria holds her love and memories of her family and resides in Herrin, IL. Curtis had a successful career as an industrial mechanical engineer. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from SIU. Curtis worked as an engineer at Olin and then Maytag. At retirement, he held the position of Director of Engineering for Maytag. Curtis was also a successful entrepreneur in business. He owned Playport Marina for several years. Then he began the Gateway Marina on route 13 on Crab Orchard Lake. Curtis and his son, Michael were expert boat mechanics and many people enjoyed their quality service and business at the marina. Curtis was passionate about several hobbies. He enjoyed golfing and traveled to play golf at numerous country clubs across the United States. He will be missed by his current golf buddies, Dick Conrath and John Cravens. Curtis was also a very skilled fisherman. He enjoyed hosting fishing tournaments at his marina for many years as well as being in fishing tournaments. He has many fishing buddies and best friends that will miss him including, Rhett McReaken and Kenny Irvin. His favorite fishing buddy was his daughter, Victoria. Additional hobbies included hunting quail, ducks and geese and he enjoyed that hobby with his son, Michael and many friends. Other hobbies were working on antique cars and helping friends with repairing their boat motors. He loved to work on machinery of any kind. Curtis and Victoria enjoyed many hours together building and creating the Hartley Art Gallery and Event Center in Herrin, IL. Curtis’ talent for business and entrepreneurship was unique and he encouraged many people to begin their own journey in business. Curtis was a member of the First Church of God in Marion, IL. He spent his lifetime devoted to this church and served on the board of directors. He also helped with assisting to keep the First Church of God Campground in West Frankfort in operation. Curtis was a devoted Christian and was also an amazing singer. In his earlier years he was a member of a gospel singing group where he recorded a few records. He enjoyed playing the guitar and singing with every opportunity he could. He is survived by his daughter, Victoria Hartley of Herrin. He had 7 siblings and only one survives, Albert Hartley of Mt. Vernon, IL. Katie Hartley and Carolyn Hartley and Nadine Bozic-Hoffman are surviving sister in laws. He is also survived by many caring nieces and nephews whom loved their uncle Curt. He was preceded in death by six siblings: Jon Hartley, Jay Hartley, Sam Hartley, Geraldine Hartley-Rogers, Teddy Jo and Ella Jean. Curtis celebrated life daily and strived to make positive contributions to each day he lived. Friends Dick and Francine Sanders, Fred and Barbara Thompson, Dave Crawford and Rhett McReaken were also his supporting friends and many others. Services for Curtis Hartley will be private. Entombment will take place at Egyptian Memorial Gardens Mausoleum in Energy. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Hartley Art Gallery in Herrin, IL. Crain Funeral Home Egyptian Chapel in Energy is in charge of arrangements.

Curtis Ray Hartley

February 6, 1935 - April 7, 2020