407-298-0703
501 Fairvilla Road Orlando, Florida 32808

Dr. Lewis K. Curtwright March 16, 1932 - December 7, 2024

Service Details

December 19, 2024 at 2:00 PM
In the Chapel of Mitchell’s Funeral Home
501 Fairvilla Road, Orlando, Florida 32808

Visitation Information

December 18, 2024 at 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Mitchell’s Funeral Home
501 Fairvilla Road, Orlando, Florida 32808

Life Epitome / Obituary

Dr. Lewis K Curtwright passed on from this life on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at his home in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by loved ones.

Lewis was born on March 16, 1932, in Orlando, Florida, as the only child to Johnnie Bee, who unfortunately died shortly after his birth. He was raised by his great aunt Isabella and her daughter Virginia (“Locky”) Fitzgerald. He earned the nickname “Sonny” from his family members.

He was baptized at age 13, at Shiloh Baptist Church of Orlando. Lewis made the decision to give his life to Christ in December 2024.

He attended Jones High School in Orlando and spent the rest of his life connected to his classmates. His best friend was Edgar Washington. They met when they were in the 2nd and 3rd grade. They later attended The Ohio State University together. Lewis often joked about getting in the engineering line during orientation and the guy in front of him asked him if he could draw and he said “NO,” so he looked for the shortest line and it was the Zoology line. This pivotal moment led to him earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology in 1958, and the rest is history about him becoming a physician.

 

He met his wife, Barbara Phipps, while he was an undergraduate student at OSU. They were introduced by his best friend Edgar and her sister Wilma. They were married in 1955 and from their union, four children were born: Lois A Curtwright, RN, Dr. Lewis K Curtwright Jr., Ed.D, Debra R Curtwright, and Marsha K Curtwright.

His dedication to service extended beyond medicine. He joined the U.S. Air Force and became a sergeant before enlisting in the U.S. Army under the GI Bill, where he excelled rapidly through various tests and assignments, rising to the ranks of colonel. He served in the Korean War on the front line as a forward observer and radar specialist in 1949. He later served as a medical advisor to a South Vietnamese parachute division in the Vietnam War. His service required that he parachute into combat zones to render medical assistance to injured soldiers. He learned how to fall and get back up, which served him well over time. In 1987, he accompanied his unit to Tena, Ecuador, as a senior medical officer. He was activated again for military service in 1990 for the Persian Gulf War. His primary duty was Commander of the Military/Dependent Clinic at Hunter Army Field near Savannah, Georgia. He established an evacuation route from the battle zone back to his airfield in SE United States. He served in the reserves as a senior medical officer, stationed in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Orlando, Florida. He had a lifetime commitment to the U.S. Armed Forces.

He attended the Kansas City College of Osteopathic Medicine and graduated in 1965. After completing his internship, he relocated his family to Flint, Michigan, where he started his first private practice. He also established a practice in Day Heights, Ohio, and Orlando, Florida. He was dearly loved by his patients and staff. He dedicated his life to caring for underserved patients in rural areas and the inner city.

Following 25 years of marriage, his first union ended, and he married Nina Tissandier, whom he influenced to become a health care professional. Together, they had a son, Dr. Aaron A Curtwright, D.O., who followed in his footsteps to become a physician.

In 2014, Lewis was recognized with a resolution for his rich dedication as a renowned and accomplished physician who provided over a quarter of a century of invaluable service to the citizens of Orlando. Bestowed by Daisy Lynum, Commissioner, District 5 and Samuel B Ings, Mayor Pro Tem, Commissioner, District 6, Friday, February 7, 2014, was proclaimed as “Dr. Lewis K. Curtwright, D.O. Day”.

In his spare time, he enjoyed birdwatching with high-powered binoculars, visiting parks, reading, and traveling the world, and he was especially intrigued by the Japanese culture.

In February 2014, he reunited and remarried his first wife, Barbara, until her transition in 2020.

A few of his favorite sayings were: “I’ll see you when I see you,” “It is what it is,” “Aging is not for sissies,” “The results are the only thing that matters,” What is the most important thing in the world… attitude,” “Are you part of the problem or part of the solution?”

In addition to his beloved children, he is survived by his daughter-in-law, Brenda Curtwright of Newport Richey, FL, his son-in-law Bryant Marshall of Colleyville, TX, and Lindsay Jones of Woodstock, GA; four grandchildren Andreas Curtwright of Cincinnati, OH, Lewis Curtwright III of Atlanta, GA, Alexandria Curtwright of Brooklyn, NY, and Daniel Jones of Woodstock, GA; two great grandchildren Giovanni & Milana Curtwright of Cincinnati, OH, and his sister-in-law Carolyn Johnson (Jerome) of Grove City, OH; dear friends and caregivers Alice Groenewoud and David Washington; special friend Elke Ballweg, and neighbor, Tanya Wilson; and a host of family members across the South and Midwest.

Throughout his life, he represented his country and his community, and he made his unforgettable mark in this world with his witty sense of humor and through his commitment to service and to people in need.

Service
In the Chapel of Mitchell’s Funeral Home
December 19, 2024 - 2:00 PM
501 Fairvilla Road, Orlando, Florida 32808

Visitation
Mitchell’s Funeral Home
December 18, 2024 - 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
501 Fairvilla Road, Orlando, Florida 32808

Cemetery
Florida National Cemetery
6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, Florida 33513

Condolences(3)

  1. REPLY
    Crystal Sparchar says

    Thank you for allowing me to learn about your Fathers legacy. I am sorry for your loss and pray that the Lord brings comfort to the family each and every day

  2. REPLY
    Ron & Terri Williams says

    Deepest Condolences to The Curtwright Family, we’re praying that the peace of God will be with you during this Season Of Life. To our OCBF Members Marsha and Bryant Marshall, may you know that in God’s word Matt. 5:4 says “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” and 2 Corinthian 5:8 remember we are of good courage and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. Praying for traveling grace.

  3. REPLY
    Cecille Noto says

    Uncle Louie was a very kind and mindful person. He, as well as Aunt Barbara Ann, said it straight while still making you laugh. He was a great asset to this world and will continue to be through his wonderful family.

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