Curtis E. Robertson

Curtis Elden Robertson was born at home in Darwin, OK, on April 19,1936, to Earnest and Pauline (Thompson) Robertson of Cherokee and Scottish descent. He passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, December 13, 2024, at the age of 88. 

Curt was the youngest of five children, Dorothy, Ray, Claude, and Harold Robertson. His father left the family when Curt was young and his mother remarried Mr. Barnes and they moved to Benton, Arkansas. He attended Benton, AR for his 1st and 2nd grades, as the family was traveling back and forth on old Route 66 to Modesto, California to seek healthcare for his mother as she was ill with cancer. His mother kept a keen eye on Curt and made sure he walked to the local Pentecostal church as a young boy to attend Sunday School. She also put a guitar in his hand. He never had lessons, but his mother provided the foundation for Curt’s life’s passions of the guitar and the Lord. Following her death, the family was separated, and Curt was sent to Richmond, CA, to live with his sister Dorothy. He went to Jr. High in Richmond and has a high school diploma from El Cerrito H.S. 

Curt was always in motion and trying to find his own way. He convinced his sister to sign for him early at the age of 17 in 1953 so he could join the Air Force. He enlisted in San Francisco and then went to basic training for nine weeks at Lackland AFB, TX. He was stationed at Chanute AFB in Rantoul, IL, until 1957. He gave his life to Jesus Christ when he was alone on his knees with a bible in his barracks at age 17. It forever changed his life. 

After his honorable discharge as an Airman 2nd Class, he eventually moved to Bethany, OK and enrolled in Bethany Nazarene College at age 21. He started out majoring in music but then changed his major and graduated with a BA in religion and education. Later he continued at Central State University, earning a M.Ed. in education. He also holds a vocal music teaching certificate from CSU. While at Bethany Nazarene College, he met and married DeAnna Ransford, from Medford, OK and they had two sons, Dennis and John. The boys were raised in the Bethany area, and the family attended Bethany First Church of the Nazarene. 

Curt was always working to support his family and further his education. He began his career at Oscar Rose Junior College in 1971 as one of the earliest employees as a counselor for Veterans Affairs and Upward Bound. Positions with Student Affairs and Academic Affairs with Oscar Rose/Rose State continued with part- and full-time positions through 2016, notably as Coordinator of Evening/Weekend Services and Director/Student Activities & Coordinator of Student Center Events. He was also a Supervisor, Bureau of Children’s Services, with DHS early in his career.

Curt was married to DeAnna for 40 years and helped care for her in her last years of life as she battled cancer. He later met a lovely woman, Betty Jean Caldwell, and they married. She had two daughters, Cara and Celeste. Betty unfortunately became ill, and Curt cared for her until her passing after three years of marriage. 

Curt was proud of his military service and his work with veterans continued throughout his life. He loved his Volkswagen bus, fishing, and outdoor activities. He was a humble gracious man of character, integrity and deep faith, and could always be found with his Bible in one hand a guitar in the other. His love of music carried him through his entire life. He was a songwriter, a guitarist and bass baritone singer with many solo performances and choral groups such as the OK Choral, OK Choral Artists, OCCC Community Choir and many more. He was an educator, an avid reader, a scholar, and a friend to all. He never said an unkind word to anyone. He cared deeply for his family and was always ready for a prayer night or day for those in need. Curt will always be singing in the Heavenly Choir!

For the last 21 years of his life, Curt and his longtime love, Lisa Price, found a church home with Crossings Community Church, and spent years of adventures including traveling to favorite spots like Route 66, Branson, Taos, Mt. Scott, and the Illinois River. They went to many festivals and events, as music and curiosity filled their lives. Curt was an active senior and continued to write songs and plan for upcoming performances. 

Curt is survived by his sons John, OKC; and Dennis and wife Gigi, Bridge Creek; and their five children Christian, Kyle, Jaylon, Jaron and Jace; two great-grandchildren Leo and Rhys; three nephews Randy Robertson (Marti) of Benton, AR, Terry Robertson (B.I.) of Bryant, AR, and Daran Robertson (Laura) of Hensley, AR; two nieces Claudette Robertson of OKC and her sons James and John Moore, and Linda Sue Norbury of Grants Pass, OR; two step-daughters Cara (Lars) Bieberstein and son Mason of OKC, and Celeste (Mike) Sickler and son Gavin, of Omaha, NE; and many extended family members.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Curt’s honor to the Salvation Army or City Rescue Mission. He will be buried at Bethany Cemetery alongside his wife DeAnna. Arrangements by Oklahoma City Cremation in coordination with Crawford Family Funeral Service.

Honoring the Life of Curtis E. Robertson
Date: Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Crossings Community Church Chapel
14600 N. Portland Ave., Oklahoma City, OK