Phillip Clair Curtis Sr.

Phillip Clair Curtis, Sr., 89 of Paw Paw, passed away at home on December 31, 2025, surrounded by his family.

He was born on December 27, 1936, in Volinia Township to the late James and Lillian (Wait) Curtis. He was united in marriage to Gwendolyn Kay (Ross) on July 9, 1959. Together they raised three children on the family farm where they instilled a strong work ethic and a love of the land into their children and grandchildren.

Phil was a lifelong farmer; he started milking cows at the ripe age of seven and continued farming until his death. He was a member of the Paw Paw FFA Chapter and graduated from Paw Paw High School in 1955.

He was a prominent farmer in Southwest Michigan where he milked cows, raised hogs, as well as growing row crops and hay. He was a member of the Van Buren Soil Conservation District and introduced the concept of no-till farming to many others throughout the surrounding area. He also served as a board member on the Van Buren County FSA board of directors, and he was a crusader for using farming techniques that conserved the land.

He spent many hours supporting his children and grandchildren with their 4-H projects and enjoyed watching them exhibit at the Van Buren Youth Fair.

He enjoyed being around people and loved a good joke and a laugh. He was generous to those in need and his home was always open to a friend.

He worshiped At the Master’s Feet in Otsego and enjoyed music at the Music Barn in Martin.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Gwen, and his children, Phillip (Kellie) Curtis, Jr., Craig (Jennifer) Curtis, and Nicole (Jason) Meachum; his grandchildren: Phillip (Laura Weberg) Curtis, III, Blake (Katie DeCamp) Curtis, Taylor (Cody) Shannon, Meghan and Logan Ransler, Avery (Zach) Smith, Marina Curtis, and Spencer Meachum; his great grandchildren: Carter, Bailey, and Grace Curtis; and his sister, Sidney Shank, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws (Earl and Leota Ross), his brothers, Jack and LaMoine Curtis, and his grandchildren, Justin Curtis and Morgan Meachum.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home, 502 W. Michigan Avenue, Paw Paw. A memorial service will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Ray Brown officiating. Phil will be laid to rest at Wildey Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Van Buren Tech Center FFA, 250 South Street, Lawrence, MI 49064 or Centrica Care Navigators, 7100 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009.