Frederick A. Curtis

Frederick A. Curtis
Jacksonville - Frederick A. Curtis, age 81, of Jacksonville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Memorial Hospital in Springfield.
Born on September 11, 1943, in Alton, Illinois, Fred was the son of Frederick H. and Mary Agnes Mospan Curtis. On March 29, 1969, he married the love of his life, Linda Zeller, who survives him.
Fred is also survived by his four children: Karin (Cantey) Haile of Columbia, South Carolina;
Michael Curtis of Springfield; Scott (Ari) Curtis of Chatham; and Jeff Curtis of Collierville,
Tennessee. He was a proud grandfather to five grandchildren: Riley, Jacob, Elijah Curtis, and Ellie and Betsy Haile. He is also survived by five sisters: Elizabeth Curtis of Mt. Prospect, Marie Curtis of DeKalb, Martha (AI) Moretti of Plainfield, Margaret (George) Marinier of Elmhurst, and Barb (Tony) Novak of Kansas City, Kansas; along with many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one infant brother, Michael.
A 1961 graduate of Routt Catholic High School, Fred was a standout three-sport athlete and
remains the school's all-time leading scorer in basketball. He continued his athletic career
playing baseball and basketball in college while earning his bachelor's degree from Quincy University. He followed by obtaining a master's degree from Indiana State University.
Fred began his teaching and coaching career at Quincy Notre Dame High School before
returning to Jacksonville to serve at Routt High School. He later joined Jacksonville High School, where he spent much of his professional life as a teacher and Head Baseball Coach for over 25 years. He concluded his coaching career with five years as Head Baseball Coach at MacMurray College. He was inducted into the JHS Hall of Fame in 2010. Fred was also a certified IHSA official for more than 40 years.
Beyond his professional achievements, Fred was an avid golfer and had played for the Redlegs fastpitch softball team for many years. Above all, he loved spending time with his grandchildren and was a devoted supporter of their activities. He was a longtime active member of the Church of Our Saviour, where he served faithfully as a Minute Man.
A prayer service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Williamson Funeral Home, followed by visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Church of Our Saviour in Jacksonville, with burial at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Church of Our Saviour. Condolences may be shared online at www.airsman-hires.com.