Curtis Clair Elliott

Funeral service for Curtis Elliott will be held 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 7, 2016 at Gillette Memorial Chapel; interment to follow at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery. Visitation will take place prior to services from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 7, 2016 also at Gillette Memorial Chapel.Curtis Elliott was born on January 5, 1926 on a homestead on Middle Prong Road about eight miles from Arvada, WY. He attended elementary school in Arvada and graduated from high school in Gillette. During high school he played football and basketball. He joined the United States Navy in World War II and served in the South Pacific on the destroyer USS Stevens. Curtis had many stories about being in the military; they were all very funny, he never told a scary story. He was honorably discharged in 1945, and he returned to Gillette where he said nothing but a set of bridle reins were going to fit in his hands for a long time. On February 2, 1947 Curtis married Charlotte J. Lewis in Hardin, MT. Curtis worked on ranches in the Gillette area. He also was active in Rodeo and competed in bareback riding; he also clowned in many rodeos. In April of 1949, Rusty was born and that slowed down the rodeos. The family moved to Recluse in 1956 and was fortunate to never have to move again. In November of 1996, Charlotte passed away after battling cancer. On a trip with Dee Lee McClure to Rapid City to buy a tractor, Curtis was introduced to a lady named Fern Smith; the two discovered they had many of the same interests in life. This was one of the best things to happen to Curtis, since had been so lonely since the loss of his wife. Fern and Curtis married in 2000. The family is all very grateful for the support and care Fern has given Curtis through the years. Curtis is survived by a large loving family. He is preceded in death by his first wife; parents and numerous siblings. The family requests that memorials be made in Curtis' name to Cancer Fund of your choice. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at www.gillettememorialchapel.com