Curtis W. Large

Curtis Wayne Large, 68, of Beardstown, IL and formerly of Meredosia, IL, passed away Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital in Rushville, IL.  

Curtis was born on July 8, 1956, in Wichita, Kansas to Merle and Dorothy Wiley Large. He married Tammy Collins on July 4, 1998, in Meredosia, Illinois and she survives. 

Curtis is also survived by his sons Christopher Large and Corey (Michelle) Large; daughters, McKinzie Myers (fiancé Robert Moreland) and McKaylia Fields; Grandchildren, Kolton Luckett, Madilyn Large, Amaeya Large, Claire Fields and Waylon Fields. He is also survived by his brother, Charles (Beth) Large; sisters, Diane (Russ) Brown, Joyce (Rob) Mills and Gena Surratt; brother-in-law, Jim Brown; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Merle Large; mother, Dorothy Hoffman; brothers, Fred Large and Tom Large; brother-in-law, James Surratt; sister, Susan Brown; and granddaughter, Kayden Howell. 

Curtis graduated from Meredosia-Chambersburg High School in 1975. He was a longtime employee of National Starch and Chemical Corp., which later became Celanese. He worked in many roles over his 38-year long career and always cherished his friendships made with the Boilermakers 484 Union members. After retiring from Celanese, Curtis achieved one of his dreams of opening Riverport Restaurant in Beardstown, Illinois with his wife, Tammy. He could always be found behind the counter in his captain’s hat smiling and joking with his regular customers who he loved. 

In his younger years, Curtis appreciated the outdoors hunting and fishing with his sons. He could also be found enjoying classic cars at local cruise nights. He had the heart of an entrepreneur and began printing T-shirts for local teams and businesses. In more recent years, he enjoyed taking the “scenic route” searching for treasures to add to his many collections. His favorite team was always the Kansas City Chiefs, and he was able to attend a game at Arrowhead Stadium in 2023 for a Chiefs win against the Broncos. When it wasn’t football season, he also loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals. 

Curtis never met a stranger. Everyone who talked to him would quickly find out he was a dreamer and had a passion for his family. 

Cremation rites have been accorded, and a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Memorials are suggested to be made to the family c/o Niebur Funeral Home, 530 W. Adams Pittsfield, IL 62363. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.

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