Born on October 15, 1934, in Conroe, Texas to Charles Ray Gokey and Willie Mae Harrison Gokey and passed into Heaven on April 11, 2025 at his home in Livingston, Texas after a long illness. Curtis married the love of his life Gwendolyn Crawford in 1957 and to this union were born three children- Debra, Donnie, and Nora. After raising their family and retiring Curtis and Gwen moved back home to Polk County.

Curtis grew up in Goodrich, Texas attending the Goodrich Schools. Curtis was the good-natured all-around nice guy at school while excelling in track, volleyball, basketball and football playing for the
"Fighting Hornets". After graduating in 1953 Curtis stepped up to help his county and proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.

As a young man Curtis faced a very serious life altering surgery on his vocal cords and voice box with the doctors predicting that after the surgery, he would be unable to ever speak again. Those doctors failed to understand two very important things ... first GOD was in control, and He had plans for Curtis which included his voice. Second, they did not realize what everyone already knew .... You can never shut a Gokey up! They are always talking more and louder than anyone else in the room. Curtis recovered and proved both of these facts to be very true.

Curtis was employed by the Ideal Cement Company in Galena Park, Texas from 1963 until 1980 as a Chemical Lab Technician. Curtis was known for his hugs .... Not just any old hug ... his was like
the grip of a grizzly bear, literally rolling your should blades together while locked in his hug. Telling him that he hugged to tight was useless (talking to a Gokey!) because no matter what he was
still going to hug you so tight it could take your breath away but at the same time it was one of the most loving hugs one could ever receive.

Curtis was a devoted member of Goodrich First Baptist Church where he served as Deacon for many years. Curtis and Gwen faithfully served God for many decades at Goodrich First Baptist
Church.

Curtis was preceded in death by his loving wife Gwen Gokey, parents Charles and Willie Mae Gokey, his brothers Charles Gokey and Bobby Gokey Sr., his brothers in laws James, Jesse, and Dalton
Crawford and his sister-in-law Elnora Tucker.

Curtis is survived by his children, Debra Gokey and Tyrone, Donnie Gokey and wife Felecia, and Nora Kerr; Five grandchildren, Donald Ray Gokey II and wife Laura, Christopher Gokey and wife Kierston, Kendra Brown, Robert Kerr and wife Brandi and Heather Swann and husband Bryan; nine great-grandchildren, Donnie Ray III, Casey, Haley, Conner, Presley, Levi, Wyatt, Grayson and Rylee; sister-in law, Sandra Gokey and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Curtis will be Thursday, April 17, 2025, from 5:00pm - 8:00pm, at Pace Funeral Home in Livingston, Texas.

A Celebration of Curtis's life will be Friday, April 18, 2025, at 10:00am, at Pace Funeral Home in Livingston, Texas, with Tom Owen officiating.

Interment to follow at Center Grove Cemetery in Livingston, Texas.

Services are in the care of Pace Funeral Home, you may leave your online condolences at www.pacefuneral.com.

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