Curtis Dean Lesley, 85, passed away peacefully at his home on June 29, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Curtis was born on May 30, 1941, to Noble and Ima Loudermilk Lesley. He spent his life rooted in the Downing community which he loved, building a legacy of faith, hard work, and devotion to family.

On May 24, 1966, Curtis married the love of his life, Ruby Dickey Lesley. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service, sharing sixty years of marriage.

Curtis was a graduate of Tarleton State University. He began his career as an educator at Gustine Independent School District before serving as a chemist for thirty years with the Texas Department of Agriculture. In addition to his professional career, Curtis was a lifelong farmer in the Downing community, where he proudly raised peanuts, hay, and cattle. Farming was more than his livelihood—it was his passion and a reflection of his deep appreciation for the land and rural way of life.

An accomplished genealogist, he dedicated countless hours researching family histories and was a valued contributor to the Comanche Historical Society. Through his meticulous work, he helped preserve the stories and heritage of many Comanche County families for future generations. He also served on the De Leon ISD School Board, Texas Peanut Producer’s Board, the Downing and Buffalo Cemetery Associations.

A faithful Christian, Curtis was a devoted member of the Downing and De Leon Church of Christ. He found his greatest happiness spending time with his family, working on the farm, and preserving the history of those who came before him.

Curtis will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering integrity, generous spirit, and deep love for his family, his faith, and his community. His wisdom, kindness, and willingness to help others will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Curtis is survived by his loving wife of sixty years, Ruby Lesley; his daughters, Mindy Sides and her husband, Mark, Crista Jones and her husband, Terry, and Teresa Huckaby and her husband, Zack. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jayton Jones and Klarissa Morales, Marly Herrera and her husband, Daniel, Cara Sides, Cameron Maston and her husband, Talon, and Atcher Huckaby; and his two great-grandsons, Colson and Graham Maston. Also surviving are his brother and sister-in-law, Royce and Sharon Lesley; his nephews, Alan Lesley and Nathan Lesley; and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Noble and Ima Lesley.

Funeral services honoring Curtis' life were held Friday, July 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Nowlin Anders Funeral Home Chapel with Lacy Loudermilk officiating. Graveside committal followed in Downing Cemetery. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered prayers, love, and support during this difficult time.

Close The Gate

For this one farmer the worries are over,

lie down and rest your head, 

Your time has been and struggles enough,

put the tractor in the shed. 

Years were not easy, many downright hard,

but your faith in God transcended,

 Put away your tools and sleep in peace.

The fences have all been mended.

You raised a fine family,

worked the land well and always followed the Son, 

Hang up your shovel inside of the barn;

your work here on earth is done. 

A faith few possess led your journey through life,

often a jagged and stony way, 

The sun is setting, the cattle are all bedded,

and here now is the end of your day.

Your love of God’s soil has passed on to your kin;

the stories flow like fine wine, 

Wash off your work boots in the puddle

left by blessed rain one final time. 

You always believed that the good Lord

would provide and He always had somehow, 

Take off your gloves and put them down,

no more sweat and worry for you now.

Your labor is done, your home now is heaven;

no more must you wait, 

Your legacy lives on, your love of the land,

and we will close the gate. 

~ Nancy Kraayenhof