Dr. DeMar Henry Curtis, 92, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2023, at his home in Mesa, AZ. He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Anna Taylor Curtis and children: Deborah (Paul) Nielsen, Dr. Brent (Teri) Curtis, Diane (Ray) Heyman, Sheila Curtis, Corina (Mark) Crosby, Brad (Nannette) Curtis, and Rebecca (Justin) Thomas.
He is preceded in death by his parents Hyrum Doyle Curtis and Melva Froyd Curtis, siblings Blair Doyle Curtis, and Carol Lee Curtis Allred, and grandson Kevin Brent Curtis.
DeMar was born on October 30, 1930, in Salina, Utah. DeMar graduated from North Sevier High School. He attended Brigham Young University and earned two degrees: a BS in Zoology and a MS in Entomology. He then attended the University of Missouri at Kansa City and earned the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery.
After being drafted into the Army during the Korean War and while in basic training, DeMar married his sweetheart Anna Taylor in the Salt Lake Temple on September 2, 1953. Soon thereafter, he left to serve as a surgical tech in a M.A.S.H. unit in Austria.
DeMar practiced as a general dentist for 34 years in Utah and Arizona.
DeMar and Anna are blessed with 32 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
DeMar was a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in various callings. He and Anna enjoyed serving two LDS missions, one in Uganda, Africa and the other in Anchorage, Alaska. Later in life, DeMar and Anna served 16 years as ordinance workers in the Mesa Arizona Temple.
DeMar enjoyed spending time exercising, taking care of his yard, being in the outdoors, hunting and fishing. Most of all, DeMar was a huge BYU fan. He also enjoyed animals, especially his dog, “Rusty,” who was always near his side.
Services will be held Friday, January 27, 2023, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 2549 N. 32ND St., Mesa, AZ, 85213, with the viewing at 9:00am and the funeral service at 10:00am. Funeral services will be live-streamed.
ZOOM:
https://zoom.us/j/98554778082?pwd=RGptc21vUVg2TkpBeVRMVXg4WVNpQT09#success
DeMar will be laid to rest in the City of Mesa Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project (support.woundedwarriorproject.org) or LDS General Missionary Fund (donate.churchofjesuschrist.org)
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Aunt Anna and Family,
So sorry for the passing of Uncle DeMar. Many memories I have of the hunting and fishing trips through the years. The talks that I had with him and the 4th of July’s we had with the families. Love everybody.
Gary Curtis
Demar was a remarkable man who left a tremendous legacy, with a lot of amazing experience to share. We will miss him as a member of the Avalon ward. He was a true example of enduring to the end. His friendly smile, and wonderful spirit will always be remembered. We send our condolences to the entire Curtis family and pray for peace at this time. Ordyna Family