Curtis Clinton Rister

Curtis Clinton Rister, 92, of Tye, TX, passed away on July 11, 2024 at home surrounded by his family. A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 15, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, 701 S Pioneer Dr, Abilene, TX.

Curtis was born on the family farm in Tye, TX, to John Henry and Lillie Mae Rister on October 7, 1931.  He married Kathryn Blessing Kerby Stuckey on June 4, 1976, in Merkel, TX. He was an Air Force veteran and a graduate of Texas Tech University earning his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering. He worked for NASA and then later retired as a Government Civil Engineer from Dyess Air Force Base. During his military service as an Aircraft Electronic Navigation Equipment Mechanic, he received Good Conduct and National Defense Service Medals. He was a member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, Abilene, TX. He was also a member of the Merkel ISD School Board.

Curtis was preceded in death by his first wife, JoNell Standard and their unborn child. JoNell was the daughter of Frank and Enda Mae Standard. He was also preceded by his parents, John Henry and Lillie Mae Rister.

Curtis was a devoted and loving husband to his wife, Kathryn Rister and father to Sara and Steve Wicox, Becky and Robert Pace, Gina and Michael Reddin, Amy and James Richardson, David and Jennifer Stuckey; brother Johnny Wayne Rister and wife Katy; 16 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

The family of Curtis Rister wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Hendrick Hospice Care.