Curt Narragon Obituary (1942 - 2022)

Curtis Arnold Narragon Lansing Curtis Arnold Narragon, who was known for his integrity, handiness, dry wit, patience and practicality, passed away on August 23, 2022. He was surrounded by his adoring family who miss him terribly, but find comfort knowing he was reunited with his parents, William and Betty Narragon; son, Tim Narragon; and beloved grandparents, Reuben and Hazel Mullen. Curt was born on February 3, 1942 in Carson City, Michigan. He spent his youth listening to the tunes of the fifties, wrestling and joking with his brother, Dennis Narragon of Phoenix, Arizona. Curt had fond memories of summers spent with his grandparents in Elberta, Michigan; fishing, running up and down the bluffs of Lake Michigan, and riding on the railroad with Grandpa Reub. At 17 years old, Curt was swept away by a woman three years his senior, Mary Jo (Eastman), his coworker at RL's Drug Store in Lansing. Mary Jo attended Curt's graduation from Everett High School and saw him off when he joined the U.S. Air Force thereafter. Love blossomed in spite of the distance. Curt and Mary Jo were wed in 1960 at a little chapel on Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado. Home from the service, Curt followed in his dad's footsteps and worked at Lindell Drop Forge for many years where he was proud to earn his journeyman degree and become a tool and die sinker. After his night shift ended, his truck could be found at The Colonial Bar where he had a Pepsi and played pool. He went on to work at Spartan Die in Lansing, and in retirement, the tool aisle at Lowes. In his 80 years, Curt lived a simple but full life. Full of honor; he always tried to do the right thing. Full of gratitude; he was constantly thanking others. Full of humor; he always had a joke on the tip of his tongue or in his shirt pocket. He was also a sweet and humble man and would've shied away from this spotlight. But he was deserving of the best. Curt put his family first, worked hard and enjoyed life. He was a tremendous influence in the lives of his family. He was the "cool" dad and grandpa, attending all of their special moments. At home, he'd often get comfortable on the floor, playing with kids or dogs while watching westerns on TV. He prioritized family vacations; notable trips include exploring Cave of the Winds, shadowing Dennie on job sites and backpacking in Arizona, working at the lumber mill in Montana, and hunting on Drummond Island, in "the thumb" or wherever "Deer Camp" landed. Curt enjoyed hunting, guns, and spending time teaching the next generation about the outdoors, guns and safety. He had a steadfast western style; donning plaid shirts, a cowboy hat and cowboy boots. His grandkids thought he was a real cowboy. (But then again, he told them he was one...) He loved tinkering, taking things apart and fixing them. He was the guy that had whatever you needed in his truck or pocket. Even his special dog, Nellie, knew where to find a treat and will miss his lap. Curt was unassuming, with a dependable personality and charming grin. In the lives of those who knew him, he was a great man. In the hearts of those who loved him most, he was a hero. Curt is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Mary Jo Narragon. Their two daughters, Kelli Haddad and Sally (Richard) Harmon. Son-in-law, Chris Haddad. Brother, Dennis Narragon. Grandchildren: Danni (Brad) Schertzing, Eric (Jeanna) Haddad, Jeffrey Haddad, Ashley (Steve) Tomkovich, Emily (Ryan) Wood, and Amber Harmon. Great-Grandchildren: Nolan, Cole, Roman and (his namesake) Curt Haddad; Luca, Carson, and Zachary Schertzing; Walter and Owen Tomkovich; Xavier and Annika Wood. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on August 31, 2022 at Skinner Funeral Home (Lansing), 101 W. Jolly Rd. Lansing, MI 48910. Visitation will be held prior to the service at 1:00 pm in the same location. To share memories or condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com