Cleatus "Pete" Curtis, age 97, of Matthews, died Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at the Bertrand Nursing and Rehab Center.

Born January 10, 1925, at Humphreys County, Tennessee, to the late Alvin Rastus and Ollie Elizabeth Winters Curtis. Pete lived in Matthews most of his life. He was enrolled in the United States Army and was a World War II veteran. When he came home, Pete started a business, Curtis Concrete, hiring his wife as his bookkeeper.  He loved to work; some even say it was his hobby. Pete worked up until he was 86 years old. He loved his family, especially the ones who called him "Daddy Pete" and watching the Cardinals. Pete was also a member of the Shady Acres Church of Christ in Sikeston, MO.

On April 4, 1948, he married the love of his life, Burlene Wait, who preceded him in death on July 25, 2019.

Surviving are his children, Robert Curtis of Matthews, MO; Kenneth (Jamie) Curtis of Dexter, MO and Brenda (Jerry) Nimmo of Sikeston, MO; two sisters, Ruby Silverthorn of Sikeston, MO and Barbara Lasters of Oran, MO; one brother, Don (Linda) Curtis of Sikeston, MO; 7 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by 8 brothers and two sisters.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until time of the memorial services at 5:00 p.m., Monday January 17, 2022, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Sikeston. Keith Olbricht will officiate.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com .