Curtis Paul Ranes , 92, of South Whitley, died peacefully in the company of family at 4:10 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at his home.

Born on October 4, 1931, in Omaha, Texas, he was the only child of the late Jim and Clara (Gaddis) Ranes.  Growing up in Mount Pleasant, Texas, he graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1950.

Joining the U.S. Navy on September 8, 1950, he served aboard the USS Marysville Patrol Craft Escort 857.  He was honorably discharged on July 7, 1954.

Making his home in Los Angeles, CA, he became an electrician, joining the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.  In 1975, he joined T&F Construction based out of Hagerstown, IN, working as a supervisor.  In 1982, he went to work for the Arizona Public Service, where he retired.

In 2014, he moved to South Whitley to be with his former wife, L. Dianne Ranes.  She died on March 15, 2020.

Mechanically inclined, he liked to tinker with his cars or other mechanical devices.  He was an accomplished upholsterer, making seat and boat covers and doing auto interiors.  He liked carpentry work, fixing and repairing the house, and adding new railings to the porch.  In his younger years, he liked to race boats and ride the dunes of the southwest in his dune buggy.

Surviving is a daughter, Vicki Ranes of Reno, NV; step-children, Becky Haisley of North Manchester, David Haisley of Orland, Julie Anderson of South Whitley and Andrew Haisley of Columbia City; ten grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter.

There will be no services.  Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley.

Memorials in Curtis's honor are to the Amvets #2919, South Whitley.