Curtis Fairless

Curtis Fairless, age 88, a resident of rural Vienna, Illinois, passed away Friday afternoon, April 25, 2014, at 4:18 PM at his home surrounded by his family. Curtis was born June 12, 1925 in the Bloomfield community (Johnson County) Illinois. He was the son of Noah Newton Fairless and Sarah Jane (Johnston) Fairless. Curtis was united in marriage to Genevieve Miller on May 26, 1948 in Piggott, Arkansas. Together, Curtis and Genevieve had enjoyed almost 66 years of marriage. In addition to his wife, Curtis is survived by: his son and daughter-in-law – Bill and Kitty Fairless of Vienna; his daughter and son-in-law – Jeanne and Joe Elam of Golconda; 3 grandchildren – David Fairless (and his wife Casey), Bobby Fairless, and Becky Fairless; a great granddaughter – Kathleen Marie Fairless; 3 sisters – Mary Alice Rainbolt of Bourbonnais, Verla Kerley of Vienna, and Lola May Boyd of Indianapolis, IN; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Curtis also cherished his faithful canine companion “Lucky.” In addition to his parents, Curtis was preceded in death by: 2 brothers – Hoover Fairless and Noah Dale Fairless; and 2 sisters – Gail Harner and Betty Jean Zeigler. Curtis was a 1942 graduate of Vienna High School. He served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. Curtis served in the Pacific Theater of operation and participated in the liberation of the Philippine Islands as well as the occupation of Japan and Korea. Curtis worked as the storeroom supervisor at Electric Energy, Inc. in Joppa for 36 years, prior to his retirement on July 1, 1989. Curtis was a life-long farmer and operated and managed a Centennial Family Farm. He had been recognized as the Conservation Farmer of the Year. Curtis had a love of the land and the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Curtis was a life member of the National Rifle Association (N.R.A.) and a member of the North American Hunting Club. Curtis was a faithful member of the Taylor United Methodist Church. He had been recognized by Modern Woodmen of America with a Community Service Award. Funeral services will be held Monday morning, April 28, 2014, at 11 AM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Pastor Rocio Reyes Williams will officiate. Burial will be in the Belknap Masonic Cemetery. A flag presentation ceremony will be conducted by the Illinois National Guard Burial Honors Detail. Visitation will be from 4 PM – 8 PM Sunday at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Memorials may be made to Lourdes Hospice, PO Box 7100, Paducah, KY 42002-7100 or to the Taylor United Methodist Church, 5760 US Highway 45 North, Vienna, IL 62995.

Curtis Fairless

June 12, 1925 - April 25, 2014