Gene Tom Curry

Gene Tom Curry, 78, of Stillwater, Oklahoma, passed away on January 21, 2026. He was born on October 24, 1947, at Saint Anthony's Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Gene is preceded in death by his father Clarence Conrad "Mex" Curry, and his mother Alice Lemieux Curry. Gene is survived by his son, Charles William Curry; his daughter-in-law, Bri Anne Curry; his grandson, Riley Owen Curry; his sister, Karen Peterson-Curry and her husband Stan Peterson; and his sister Helen McCarl and her husband Randy McCarl.

Gene spent his early childhood in Chandler, Oklahoma, where his father "CC" was a World War II veteran and longtime attorney, he briefly served as a District Judge for Lincoln County, Oklahoma in the 1950's. His mother Alice was director of the Senior Center in Chandler and worked for the Oklahoma State Health Department. In his teenage years he spent time in North Dartmouth, Massachusetts, but moved back to Oklahoma where he owned a home in Depew for some years, then lived in Perkins for more than 35 years, and spent his final 7 years in Stillwater.

A lifelong musician, Gene had a deep love for music and played the piano and synthesizers for several Rock & Roll bands throughout his life. He was also involved in music recording, editing, and stage setup. Music was not just something he did, it was part of who he was.

In his early years, he worked as a mechanic, doing body work and racing cars in his spare time.

As a young adult at the start of the Vietnam era, Gene served in the National Guard. He stood firmly by what he believed was right and was discharged after refusing orders to stop a protest, because he agreed with the protesters that the United States should not have been in Vietnam.

He went back to school and earned his associate's degree in Electronics and became an appliance repair technician, running his own business for over 30 years.

Gene had a good sense of humor and could be stubborn at times, but above all, he had a good head and a good heart. He was fair but firm, generous with what he had, and always willing to help those he cared about. He never had much in the way of material wealth, but he gave freely of his time, his skills, and his kindness. He loved getting lost on dirt roads with a beer, music playing way too loud, and spending time with friends and family.

Gene believed in a higher power and in something greater than himself, even though he was not a religious man. He believed in doing right by others, standing by his principles, and showing up for the people he loved.

A celebration of Gene's life will be held at a later date.

Those who knew Gene will remember his music, his laughter, his stubborn honesty, and the quiet generosity that defined the way he lived.