William Curtis "Curt" Carrell

William Curtis Carrell, known affectionately as "Curt," passed away at his home in Newark, California, on July 22, 2025, at the age of 65. Curt was born on January 14, 1960, in El Paso, Texas, to William Ernest Carrell and Mary Alice Masters Carrell. After a short time in El Paso and several years in Memphis, Tennessee, the family settled in Anderson, Indiana, where Curt spent his childhood and teenage years. A bright and disciplined student, Curt attended Graham Wood Elementary in Memphis, then Lindbergh and Forest Hills schools in Anderson. He later attended North Side Junior High, where he ran track and played football until an injury sidelined him. He graduated from Anderson High School, where his curiosity and intellect prepared him for a distinguished educational journey. Curt went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, where he joined the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He furthered his education with a Master's degree in Computers and Systems Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. His professional career spanned several pioneering technology firms in Silicon Valley, including Fairchild Gate Array Division, Wyse Technology, and PT/Quickturn, where he advanced from design engineer to section manager. He built not only a career but also lifelong friendships during his years in California, which had been his home since 1987. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Curt lived life with a passion for challenge, learning, and adventure. As a teenager, he began bodybuilding, inspired by Arnold Schwarzenegger, and went on to earn titles including Junior Mister Indiana at 17 and Teenage Mister Central Indiana soon after. He also pursued Tae Kwon Do, earning a red belt, and became a certified scuba diver, enjoying dives off the California coast and in Hawaii. Curt's adventurous spirit also carried him to the skies. He completed more than 270 skydives, relishing the exhilaration of freefall and team formations. Later, he realized his boyhood dream of becoming a pilot, earning his license in 1991. He owned and partnered in several aircraft, including a Citabria and a Pitts S1S Special, and competed in aerobatics contests across California, reaching the Advanced level. Curt was preceded in death by his father, William Ernest Carrell; his brother, David Ernest Carrell; and his nephew, Joshua David Carrell. He is survived by his devoted mother, Mary Alice Masters Carrell of Anderson, Indiana; his nephew, Ronald (Brooke) Carrell of Anderson, Indiana; his great-nephews, Nathan Carrell, Brenden Carrell, Preston (Alisha) Carrell, Simon Carrell, and Tobias Carrell; and his great-niece, Maddison Carrell. Curt will be remembered as a man of intellect, discipline, and quiet strength who pursued his passions fearlessly-whether in the classroom, in his career, or thousands of feet above the earth. His life was a testament to curiosity, perseverance, and the joy of striving to "fly higher." A graveside service will be held at East Maplewood Cemetery in Anderson, Indiana, on Saturday, September 13th at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, a celebration of life will take place at Curt's childhood home, 2319 Shady Lane, Anderson, where friends and family are warmly invited to gather, share memories, and honor his remarkable life. www.LooseCares.com