Curtis Lynn Haveman

May 28, 1947 - October 19, 2026

Curtis Lynn Haveman, 79, of Abilene, passed away on Monday, October 19, 2026.

Celebration of Life service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Wylie Baptist Church of Abilene, with Pastor Mike Harkrider officiating and support provided by the The Hamil Family Funeral Home. Visitation with the family will occur immediately after the service. Private burial to be handled by Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories.

Curtis was born on May 28, 1947, in Kenedy, Texas, to Clarence Otto and Barbara Jean (Mauer) Haveman. He grew up in Kenedy and graduated from Kenedy High School in 1965. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Texas A&I University in Kingsville and his master's degree from Corpus Christi State University.

Curtis enlisted in the United States Navy in 1968 and proudly served his country, specializing in aviation support as an electronics mechanic.

In 1980, Curtis married Lynda Gene Carrell in Corpus Christi, Texas. They shared 46 years of marriage.

Curtis and Lynda made their home in Portland, Texas, for 26 years, where they raised their children, Audra and Curt. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church Portland, where he served on mission trips, in men's ministry, VBS, and on numerous church construction projects. Curtis taught Industrial Arts at W.B. Ray High School in Corpus Christi for 30 years. He had a gift for working with his hands and an even greater gift for passing that skill on. Countless students left his classroom knowing how to build something right, take pride in their work, and always "measure twice and cut once."

After retiring from teaching, Curtis became Lynda's steady partner as they worked to get First Baptist Academy Portland up and running. In those early years of building the school from the ground up, she could count on him for anything and everything it needed. In 2011, they moved to Lufkin, where they spent six years and attended Harmony Hill Baptist Church. While in East Texas, they trained together as Disaster Relief volunteers, and Curtis served on debris removal and construction crews. In 2017, they moved to the Abilene area, where they became members of Wylie Baptist Church Abilene.

Curtis loved to travel and was most at home outdoors, enjoying the beauty of God's creation. Above all, he loved his family and was so proud of his children and grandchildren.

Curtis was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Barbara Haveman.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Lynda Carrell Haveman, of Abilene; daughter Shannon Sutorus (Jeffrey) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, from a previous marriage; daughter Audra Haveman Butler (Brad) of Abilene, Texas and their children, Benjamin and Olivia; son Curt Haveman (Meghan) of College Station, Texas and their children, Maggie, Mallorie, and Madelyn; brother Carl Haveman (Karen) of Canyon Lake, Texas; and several nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

His family and friends will miss him but take great comfort in knowing Curtis is absent from the body and present with his Lord and Savior (2 Corinthians 5:8).

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Wylie Baptist Church in Abilene, TX or to The Wilderness Experience, a men's ministry in College Station, TX.

The Haveman / Butler family wishes to extend sincere thanks to Lyndale Memory Care of Abilene and Gentiva Hospice for the care and kindness shown to Curtis and his family.