Curtis Bourland Obituary

Curtis Gail Bourland was born August 8, 1932, to Grover Green and Paulina Nera (Clanin) Bourland in St. Clair County, Missouri. He passed to his eternal reward in the early hours of July 26, 2025, thirteen days before his 93rd birthday, at his home in the assisted living facility in Petersburg, IN.

Curtis was preceded in death by his parents, his four brothers, Milan, Arthur, Troy, and Kent, and his beloved wife of 50 years, Marilou Ella Myers. He is survived by a son, Gaylen Bourland, Bloomington, IL, a daughter, Lora Neal (Anthony), Nashville, TN, eight grandchildren, James (J.C.) Croy (Lisa Petty), Escondido, Ca, Clinton Croy (Carissa Nelson), Rifle, CO, Elizabeth (Liz) Bourland (Regan) and Aimee Bourland, Kansas City, MO, Cari Croy, PA, Scott Bourland, Kansas City, KS, and Madeline Neal and Alexander (A.J.) Neal, Nashville, TN, nine great grandchildren, a large extended family, a host of friends, and a special friend (BFF) who brought joy and love to his life, Frances Freeburg.

Curtis graduated from high school at Mount Zion Bible School. He attended college at Kansas City College and Bible School to study for the ministry. He pastored churches in Missouri, Kansas and Indiana. To supplement his income he finished drywall and painted houses. He also worked selling insurance, as a Police Officer and Deputy Sheriff, and a prison guard. But his main passion, besides preaching ministry, was his music. Curtis, Curt, C.G., or The Renegade, as he was variously known, could almost always be found playing guitar, bass, mandolin, and/or singing, as a soloist or with a group. Even after the age of 90 he still enjoyed playing at nursing homes with his son for the "old people".

Curtis was a kind, caring man. His love for God was evident in all he did. His legacy will continue to live on long after he's been gone. Though he will be missed immensely by those who loved him, we know that one day we will meet again in that eternal home where there are no more pain or tears, and together we will live in peace and love worshiping the One who loved us from the beginning. Until then, we will strive to follow in Curtis's footsteps.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 AM Thursday, July 31, Harris Funeral Home, Petersburg, IN, the Rev. Tony Freeburg officiating. Visitation will be held before the service at the funeral home beginning at 10 AM.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the Lakewood Home residence fund in Petersburg, Indiana, or Willmar Church of the Nazarene in Willmar, MN.

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