He was born January 17, 1930, in Fleming County, a son of the late Hobert and Martha Jane Markwell Curtis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Joyce Ann Curtis Combs, who passed away August 8, 2011; two brothers, Oral and Elwood Curtis; and two sisters, Thelma Baker and Monnie Hall.

Elbert is survived by his wife of 60 years, Grace Catron Curtis, whom he married January 30, 1954; his son, Clinton Curtis and wife Rita of Sharkey; and son-in-law, Randy Combs of Lexington, husband of Joyce Ann.

Other survivors include four grandchildren, Matthew (Kendra) Curtis of Georgetown, Kelley (Brandon) Griffith of Hillsboro and Kevin and Carly Combs of Lexington; five great- grandchildren, Collier, Tate, and Kendall Curtis and Aidan and Andrew Griffith; a brother, Emerson Curtis of Fire Brick in Lewis County; and caregiver, Clela Markwell of Morehead.

Elbert served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was awarded the Army Occupation Medal (Japan). He was a former dairy farmer and attended Salt Lick Christian Church.

Funeral services will be conducted 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 21, 2015, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with Bro. Calvin Lindell officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens with full military honors by Morehead American Legion Post 126.

Pallbearers: Randall Catron, Dennis Catron, Duane Catron, Chester Catron, Daryl Grannis, Shannon Catron, Brad Frizzell and Charles Hampton. Visitation is after 5 p.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2015, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals in Morehead.