Curtis C. Degrate, Sr.

Curtis C. Degrate, Sr., 68, passed away Sunday March 3, 2019.

Service Information: Funeral service will be held at 1:30PM, Saturday, March 9, at Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend in Waco. Visitation will be from 5 to 7PM, with a Wake at 6PM, Friday, March 8, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Mount Olive Cemetery.

Born July 9, 1950, the seventh child of the late Murphy and Georgia Mae Mack Degrate in Asa, Texas. Curtis accepted Christ at an early age and united with Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Downsville, TX. Curtis was not one to frequent the church house, but his love for Christ was exemplified throughout his faith journey, as was his love and compassion for others. He was educated at Downsville and Carver High Schools. Curtis was employed at LL Sam’s, Harris Tire Service, Tyson Foods, Johnny’s Tire Service, Agricultural and Home Health.

Curtis enjoyed a variety of music.  His favorite songs were “Cooling Water” and “I’m Still Here.”  He will be remembered for his faith journey in the Lord. He fought a good fight; he kept the faith to the end. Curtis never complained, which helped his family during the journey. He had a great sense of humor and never met anyone who remained a stranger after their encounter. Curtis loved the Lord, which was evident when he learned of his illness. All he said was “Fix It.” He loved family gatherings, none more than the Degrate Family Reunions. Of course, our hearts are saddened by his passing, but we rejoice in knowing he is safe resting in the arms of Jesus and we will see him again.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his devoted wife, Rose Marie Degrate; children, Kathy Anthony (Mike), Ericka Robinson, Lucius Robinson (Tracey), Curtis Degrate, Jr. (Sam), all of Arlington, TX; William (Jun bug) Robinson (Sharon), San Antonio, TX; Gregory Degrate, Brian Keith Degrate (Lisa), Patrick Degrate (Mieka), all of Waco, TX; 39 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren. Wow!

Other survivors include his six sisters, Vierene Norwood, Lois Thomas, Ethel (Kenneth) Walton, Joyce Woods, Sandra Degrate, Shelia Degrate; two brothers, Murphy Gene Degrate, Anthony Degrate; special nieces, Juanita (Chester) Young, Jr., Wylie, TX and Beverly Bradford, Waco, TX; aunt, Carnell Robinson, Okla. City; sister-in-law Doris Degrate, Seattle, WA; many other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Two brothers preceded him in death, Armster Degrate and Morris Degrate;

Special thanks to Texas Oncology, Waco Lung Association, Providence Hospital Staff, St. Catherine’s Hospice Staff, Providence Health Clinic.

Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708

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