Arthur Curtis DeMoss, 97, of Beaumont, passed away Saturday, October 1, 2011, at Christus Hospital, St. Elizabeth in Beaumont. He was born in Plain Dealing, Louisiana, on September 28, 1914, to Bessie and Arthur DeMoss. Curtis’ childhood days were spent in Louisiana with his parents and two sisters. On July 3, 1939, he married Polly Langhorne and they settled in Longview, Texas in the early 1940’s, where they raised their only daughter, D’anne. The family were members of First United Methodist Church in Longview.
Curtis worked in the oil patches of East Texas and in his early years he worked for Pan Geo Atlas Corporation. This oil company moved him to various cities in the South and after leaving PGAC, Curtis became an independent oil operator, maintaining offices in Tyler partnering with best friend, Harry Phillips, for several years.
After a successful career, Curtis began cutting back and slowing down in the 1970’s. He and his wife, Polly, enjoyed entertaining friends in their home, especially after the marriage of their only daughter in 1976. They had an “open door” policy in their home where everyone who came through their back door was welcomed with open arms. After retirement Curtis enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, trips to the beach and traveling, as well as being a repairman who could fix anything from a car to an electronic device, or so he thought.
After losing his wife in 2003, Mr. DeMoss moved to Calder Woods in Beaumont to be near his family. In Beaumont, he was welcomed into “the home” and made many friends there. In time, he met others outside Calder Woods and claimed he would outlive everybody. He nearly did.
Survivors include his daughter, D’anne McGown and her husband, Pat of Beaumont; grandson, Patrick McGown and his wife, Susannah of Houston; and a sister and nephew in Louisiana.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Polly; and one sister.
The family would like to thank Odyssey Hospice, We Care Provider Services and to Roy Laus who were excellent caregivers in his last few days.
His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 3, 2011, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont, with a gathering of family and friends to begin at 9:00 a.m. until the time of his service. A committal will follow at 4:00 p.m., Monday, October 3, 2011, at Rosewood Park and Mausoleum, Longview, under the direction of Broussard’s.
Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 3430 Harrison Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77706, or to the charity of one’s choice.
