Dr. Curtis Carlton Christenberry

Curtis Carlton Christenberry, Sr., 88, passed away on May 5, 2018 in Auburn, Alabama. He was born on September 28, 1929 in Stewart, Alabama, to Daniel Keener and Eula Duncan Christenberry and was the youngest of thirteen children.

After high school, he attended API (Auburn University) where he received a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science/1951, a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine/1955, and later, a Master of Science in Veterinary Microbiology and Virology/1973.

Curtis was commissioned Air Force Second Lieutenant upon graduation from Veterinary School and completed his three-year active duty assignment at Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, New Mexico. He spent an additional thirty years in the Air Force Reserves and was recipient of numerous awards including the Meritorious Service Metal and the Legion of Merit. He retired from the Air Force in 1987, achieving the rank of Colonel. One of his favorite past times was visiting Air Force bases around the country when the occasion arose.

His entire civilian career was spent with the United States Department of Agriculture/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. There he devoted much of his time as a Veterinary Medical Officer as well as a foreign animal disease diagnostician. He continued to serve his alma mater as a liaison officer with Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine as well as a staff member of the Microbiology Department. He retired in 1988.

Curtis remained busy during his retirement devoting much of his time to numerous volunteer organizations, including the Lions Club, the East Alabama Medical Center, and the Salvation Army. He also remained very active and loyal to the Auburn United Methodist Church where he served on various administrative boards. The Joel McDavid Sunday School Class was his second family and the Church his second home.

Curtis met the love of his life, Eva Elizabeth Richards, when working as a student employee in the Magnolia Hall cafeteria. Curtis and Eva were married in July 1955 in Auburn, Alabama. He and “Miss Eva” enjoyed traveling as they were able to visit many sights both domestically and internationally. They were happily married for sixty-two years until Eva’s passing in August 2017.

Curtis is survived by four children: Shirley Christenberry, Auburn, AL; Von May (Bob), Smithfield, Virginia; Carl Christenberry (Donna); San Ramon, California; Faye Christenberry (Mel DeSart), Seattle, Washington; two grandchildren: Justin May (Robyn) and Christin Jacobs (Coley); three great-grandchildren.

A memorial celebration of Curtis’ life will be held on Sunday, May 20, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. at the Founder’s Chapel of the Auburn United Methodist Church. Visitation immediately following the service.

The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Auburn United Methodist Church, Bethany House, the East Alabama Food Bank, or the charity of your choice.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory.

www.jeffcoattrant.com