Curtis Lee Golden, 60, of McAlester, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

Family will receive friends for a visitation on Thursday, April 16, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home in McAlester. Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17th at Oak Hill Cemetery in McAlester with Rodney Briggs officiating. Pallbearers will be Cephas Cannon, Joel Cordell, Roy Golden, Liam Cannon, Cooper Yancey, and Lee Wilcox.

Curtis Lee Golden was born on October 9, 1965, to Jerry and Sue Golden in Stilwell, Oklahoma. He was the second born of four brothers. Curtis spent much of his childhood moving throughout the Midwest and southern United States, but in his later years, his family settled in McAlester, Oklahoma—a place that would always be their home.

While in school, Curtis met Valerie...the love of his life and his partner for the next 40 years. Together, they built a life rooted in love, laughter, and unwavering commitment to one another. They made their home in McAlester, where they raised their three daughters, Sara, Emily, and Rachel. Curtis lived for his family, and later in life, his grandchildren became his entire world. Of all the titles he held and all the accomplishments he achieved, "Papa" was the one he cherished most. Nothing brought him more joy than having all his girls home together with their kids—his grandbabies—making memories on ranger rides, fishing at the pond, and jumping hay bales. Curtis built a beautiful life, and an even more beautiful family.

In 1984, Curtis joined the U.S. Navy, where he served for four years as a Petty Officer Second Class. He was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida, and traveled the world aboard the U.S.S. Forrestal (CV-59). After receiving an honorable discharge, Curtis began his career in welding, machining, and tooling. He first worked for Lockheed in Beeville, Texas, and after several years, he and his family returned to McAlester. There, he continued his work with Rockwell International, Boeing, and eventually retired from Spirit AeroSystems after 32 years of dedicated service.

Curtis was incredibly intelligent and capable. The saying "jack of all trades, master of none" never applied to him—he was a master of many. Hunting, fishing, skinning, shooting, archery, carpentry, masonry, mechanics, welding, ranching, cooking, there wasn't much he couldn't do. But perhaps his most remarkable gift was his knowledge of scripture. Curtis could quote and recite scripture effortlessly—half asleep, driving a tractor, or in the middle of a conversation. He had a way of pairing it with a bit of humor and a perfectly timed, often obscure, cultural reference that made it all the more memorable.

Curtis was many things in this life, but above all, he was a devoted husband, a proud father, and a deeply loved Papa. We take comfort in knowing that he is now standing in heaven, shoulder to shoulder with family, friends, and the great evangelists he so often quoted who went before him.

Curtis is survived by his wife, Valerie Golden; his daughters, Sara Yancey, Emily Cannon and her husband Cephas Cannon, and Rachel Cordell and her husband Joel Cordell; son-in-law, Buddy Yancey; his grandchildren, Adalyn, Liam, McKenzie, Cooper, Finlee, Sunnie, Cohen, and Navy; his mother, Sue Golden; and his brothers, Charlie Golden, Bill Golden, and Mike Golden.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Golden; his grandparents, Bill and Aline Holcomb and Kenneth and Maudie Golden; and his mother and father-in-law, Bill and Betty Robins.

We will forever cherish the memories of Curtis and hold them close to our hearts. And we know, when we meet again, he'll be there—ready to ask for some sugar.

We love you! His Golden Girls Forever.