Curtis Joe Skains, 80, of Huntsville, Texas, died unexpectedly July 23, 2019 in Conroe Regional Hospital.

Curtis was born June 17, 1939 in Normangee, Texas to Allen Curtis & Maggie Seale (Rogers) Skains. He grew up in a loving family that consisted of his parents, one brother, his grandfather, “Big Joe,” who was an old fashioned country doctor, and his great-grandmother known as Grandma Rogers.

He helped his dad working cattle, riding the tractor over the pastures and helping with raising chickens to sell. He was a great mechanic and electrician and could figure out most problems when given the time to think it over.

After attending Normangee schools and graduating from Sam Houston State Teachers College, he worked for Borden Milk Company.

Wanting to get back closer to home, he began job hunting. Dewitt Holleman, who worked at SHSTC and was a family friend, suggested he talk to Allen Beckham and Bill Jones at Beckham & Jones Heating and Air Conditioning Company. It was a great fit! After several years, Curtis became sole owner of the company.

During these years of school and work, he and his two best friends, Jon and Jerry Shannon, learned to fly. This led them to buying airplanes, and many times, building their own. Many years were spent driving or flying to the yearly fly-in in Oshkosh, Wisconsin and others that were closer. In the last several years, Curtis’ youngest two sons learned to fly and joined in the experience. Great fun was had by all.

Curtis had another passion—Whataburger. He could be seen at the eating establishment at least once a week but often, many more times than that.

Curtis was a hard working, honest man who loved his family with his whole heart and was very proud of his sons and grandchildren. He and his brother, Billy Ray, spent a lot of time together following their retirement, at the homeplace in Normangee. They mainly rode over the land or worked on the tractors, creating many wonderful memories together.

Curtis was preceded in death by both of his parents; an infant brother; his beloved grandfather, “Big Joe;” great-grandmother, Grandma Rogers and other loved ones.

He is survived by his wife of nearly fifty-three years, Dona (Mathis) Skains of Huntsville; three sons, Joe Skains (Jennifer), Kevin Skains (Lisa) and Justin Skains, all of Huntsville and grandchildren, Riley Skains (Carly), Ryan Skains, Lauren Skains, Keegan Smith, Zach Smith and Lexie Smith. He is also survived by brother, Billy Ray Skains (Martha); sister-in-law, Joy Addison, several nephews and nieces and many more dear friends and family.

Funeral services will be held 2:30 P.M., Sunday, July 28, 2019 at Madisonville Funeral Home in Madisonville, Texas. Les Shannon, a dear family friend, will officiate, and interment will follow in Hopewell Cemetery in Normangee, Texas. A public visitation will take place Saturday, July 27th from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. at the funeral home.

Pallbearers: Riley Skains, Ryan Skains, Josh Addison, Brad Mathis, Charlie Joseph, Billy Joe Skains

Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, Hopewell Cemetery Association or a charity of choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Madisonville Funeral Home in Madisonville, Texas.

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