Bub Curless

Charles Emmett “Bub” Curless, age 83, of Lamar, passed away Friday, February 14, 2014 at his home.       Bub was born February 3, 1931 at Verdella, Missouri, the son of Happy and Mary (Bloom) Curless.  He graduated along with seven classmates from Liberal High School in the class of 1948 and began an interesting and varied career path that has left a rich legacy in Barton County.  In addition to farming with his parents, Bub operated the Allis-Chalmers implement dealership in Liberal.  During the 1950’s Curless Implement was the top selling Allis Chalmers dealership in North America.  In 1960 he built, and for many years, operated Hillcrest Lanes in Lamar.  Bub Curless Construction and its nation-wide projects were a tribute to Bub’s integrity and fostered lasting friendships in many parts of the country.  Over the years, Bub participated in many other business ventures and never shied away from any challenge.  His highest priority and greatest joy was his family and friends.       Always active in his community, Bub was a member of Lamar United Methodist Church, Mt. Hermon Lodge, AF & AM, York Rite, Scottish Rite, Abou Ben Adhem Shrine, Mirza Shrine, Barton County Shrine Club, Lamar Elks Lodge and A.O.P.A.  He will be remembered by many as a great philanthropist who chose to help others in a quiet and dignified manner.       On October 15, 1950, in Lamar, Bub married the love of his life, Janet Streeper and they have celebrated over 63 years together.  In addition to Janet, Bub is survived by a son, Charles (Nancy) Curless and a daughter, Jerri (Craig) Finley, all of Lamar; a sister, Lois Crowe of Nevada, Missouri; six grandchildren, Amy (Mike) Marrone, Julie (Bo) Bennett, Ann (Jason) Killmon, Ryan (Carri) Finley, Melissa Finley, and Matthew Finley; and seven great-grandchildren, Emma, Avery, and Tatem Bennett, Jack and Laila Killmon, Kyler and Jaden Finley.       Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 17th, at Lamar United Methodist Church with burial in Lake Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Sunday at Lamar United Methodist Church.       Contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Lamar United Methodist Church in care of Daniel Funeral Home.