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Author: chastain
35

Leslie Curtis “Curt” GilstrapPassing: February 2, 2014

Service:

Orleans Christian Church Unity Hall

Funeral Service

Thursday, February 6th @ 7:00 pm

Visitation:

Orleans Christian Church Unity Hall

Thursday, February 6th @ 11:00 am -7:00 pm

Cemetery:

No Burial

ORLEANS — Leslie Curtis “Curt” Gilstrap, 57, passed away at 1:21 a.m. Sunday, February 2, 2014, at his residence.

Born June 2, 1956, in Bedford, he was the son of Leo and Marion (Rocek) Gilstrap.  He married Susie D. Taylor March 19, 1983.

Curt had been employed at CPI, Paoli Inc., and Cook Inc.  He graduated from Orleans High School in 1974.  He attended University of Louisville on a full basketball scholarship, played  for Denny Crum, and was voted the most valuable player his freshman year.  He played basketball for Charles Traften at Oakland City University and graduated in 1978. He became a member of the Alaska Northern Knights professional basketball team.

Curt was rich in friends and was poor in nothing.  He loved being outdoors and helping everyone in every way his body would allow.  His true loves were his wife of 31 years and his three precious granddaughters.  He was big in stature and heart.  His heart was bigger than his body.

Surviving:         wife, Susie Gilstrap, Orleans
                       sons, Corey Gilstrap and fiancée, Stephanie, Mitchell
                                Jordan Cain Gilstrap and his wife, Kelly, Orleans
                    mother, Marion Gilstrap, Orleans
        granddaughters, Kelsey Ann, Kaitlyn Brooke, and Kacey Jean
                    brother, Steven Gilstrap, Orleans
                       sister, Rachel Wildman and husband, Ralph, Orleans
                    brother, David Gilstrap, Orleans
         parents-in-law, Leroy and Eleanor Taylor, Mitchell
         brother-in-law, Jack Taylor and his wife, Jeanette, Orleans
         brother-in-law, Mark Taylor and his wife, Peggy, Orleans
            sister-in-law, Patty Cottengain and her husband, Roger, Bloomington
                       aunts, Mickey Doub, Mitchell
                                Theresia Gilstrap, Orleans
                                several nieces, nephews, and cousins

His father, Leo Gilstrap; daughter-in-law, Dana Brooke Gilstrap; maternal grandmother, Leona Rocek; and several uncles and aunts preceded him in death.

Funeral service will be at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 6, in the Orleans Christian Church Unity Hall with Pastor Steve Von Bokern officiating.  Cremation will follow the service. 

Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until the service on Thursday at the Unity Hall.

 Memorial Gifts: Curt Gilstrap Memorial Scholarship Fund

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35 Guest Comments

  1. Guest: George craney | Indiana
    Date: May 29, 2023
    Curt was my best friend
  2. Guest: Jeff Gantner | Hoschton, Ga
    Date: September 5, 2020
    I had the pleasure of playing in a summer league basketball team with Curtis. One of our players worked with him on house construction, and recruited him for our team. You don't find a player as tall as Curtis often. I am 6' 5", and enjoyed not having to play center all the time :-). Curtis had the best outside shot of any teammate I had. I remember him as a softspoken person who let his talent do the talking. I am sorry to hear about his passing.
  3. Guest: george craney | loogootee
    Date: November 4, 2015
    he was a very close friend he was a great person and a fine athelete
  4. Guest: Donna Hart (Pace) | Indianapolis, Indiana
    Date: March 5, 2014
    Susie..I'm so very sorry for your loss. He fought a good fight with you by his side. May you find some kind of comfort in the love you had for each other. My prayers for you and your family.
  5. Guest: Marie Jones | OrleansIn
    Date: February 27, 2014
    Hi Susie, I am so sorry that i didnt get to attend the funeral,or come to the viewing. I had been sick with broncitis,and the roads out here were horriable. Well for sure Corey had a good dad , I didnt have a # to call. I am so sorry of your loss. He fought a long battle,and will be missed by all . Love Marie
  6. Guest: Gina Beyers | MitchellIn
    Date: February 6, 2014
    Susie, so sorry for you and your families loss, I will be praying for all of you. Gina
  7. Guest: Gary Pruett/Donna Pruett | Mitchell, IN
    Date: February 6, 2014
    Well Susie, Curt fought long and hard, but will now be taking his place among all of our loved ones in Heaven. What a basketball game that would be to watch with the other "greats" in residence there. He has shed his pain. Glory be to God! We will miss the gentle giant and the fine example he was to young and old in Orange and Lawrence Counties and in surrounding areas, for those who knew Curt respected and loved him for being the man he was. I will never forget some of those basketball games with Coach Trafton, whom he will be able to visit now, and how Curt dominated the boards and shot those soft touch shots. He also helped our daughter Betsy with her skills as a very young Lady Jacket in AAU learning to play center position as a very short one at that! She needed his tips especially when playing against Kent Benson's not so small girls:) Remember all the good times and be grateful for them. And family, to use the famous line from "The Outsiders", stay Golden and make a fine man proud! Love to all and God Bless! Gary & Donna
  8. Guest: Alisha Craig | Perrysburg, OH
    Date: February 6, 2014
    Corey - thinking of you this week and so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. I wish you peace and comfort during this time and may you remember all of the good memories and times you shared together! ~Alisha (Eckensberger) Craig
  9. Guest: Barbara and Bill Kieffer | Seminole, FL33772
    Date: February 6, 2014
    We are saddened by the passing of Curt. Our Thoughts and Prayers go out to the entire Family.
  10. Guest: Holiday Village Association | Seminole, FL33772
    Date: February 6, 2014
    On behalf of the Board of Directors and Residents of Holiday Village Association we send out deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers to the entire family of Curt. But we know Curt is in a better place. There is nothing more blessed in he eyes of the Lord than the passing of one of his Saints.
  11. Guest: Mark Sisco | OrleansIn.
    Date: February 6, 2014
    My Family and I are very sorry for your loss. I watched Curt play ball in high school and he was a wonderful person! CANCER IS AN AWFUL DISEASE!!
  12. Guest: Larry and Cherie Edwards | Sellersburgindiana
    Date: February 6, 2014
    Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.... Curt was truly a good man through and through. His love for his family was always present.
  13. Guest: Nicole Owens | Indianapolis, IN
    Date: February 6, 2014
    On behalf of the entire Owens family, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of "Gil" Gilstrap. Although we haven't seen him much in years past, he has always held a special place in our hearts. Truthfully speaking, his friendship of nearly 40 years with our Nick Owens, earned Gil an honorary place in our family circle. Again, our circle grows smaller but the love we have for Gil is as big as it was the day we met him. We cherish the memories that God so graciously allowed to leave an indelible in our minds. We cry with you for we too have lost a loving son, brother, uncle, and dear friend. However, we rejoice that Gil will no longer feel the pains of this earthly life. He has now moved to a life of eternal healing, rest, and joy forevermore. We rejoice in the hope that we will join Gil someday. We pray that the peace of the Lord envelope you during this time. Love as Gil would have wanted you to love and know we are always praying for the entire family. With love, Nicole Owens and Juanita McDonald
  14. Guest: Shirley Reynolds Nelson | Speedway, In
    Date: February 6, 2014
    Susie, I am so very sorry. May God be with you and surround you with love as you go through this.
  15. Guest: Carol James | Annandale, Mn.
    Date: February 5, 2014
    I grieve for all the family upon the loss of your much loved one. May God wrap his arms around you in comfort knowing that his promises are true. I am saddened by not having your memories to share as providence and distance prevented that. May you be strengthened by Gods nearness to you all. Your cousin, Carol
  16. Guest: Delbert Wray | Salem, In
    Date: February 5, 2014
    Susie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
  17. Guest: Brenda Zeeks McBride | Paoli, In47454
    Date: February 5, 2014
    Susie, My sincere condolences are with you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers! Much love and big hugs! Brenda
  18. Guest: De De Stone | Mitchell, IN
    Date: February 5, 2014
    Susie and Fanily So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. De De Hunter Stone
  19. Guest: David Baxter | Springville, IN
    Date: February 5, 2014
    I worked with Curt at CPI. The first thing I noticed about Curt was his size. But, that was quickly overshadowed by his character. He was a very kind, honorable man and I am proud to have known him and called him friend. So very sorry for your loss. May God comfort & give you grace.
  20. Guest: Hank Moore | Wylie, Texas
    Date: February 4, 2014
    Susie,David and family. I am so sorry for your loss. I haven't seen Curt since our high school days. I can remember riding around with him when he came home from UL. Had some great times with a great man. May God be with you and your family. Hank
  21. Guest: Debra Suddarth | Mitchell
    Date: February 4, 2014
    Susie, Cain and Cory I am sorry for your loss. Will always remember Curt being one of the great ballplayers from Orleans. Being from Paoli I always enjoyed watching him compete against our teams. But more recently remembering him at Grandparents day at the school and the sight of him sitting in those little chairs and the smile upon his face being with his grandchild. May God give you comfort and peace.
  22. Guest: Cindy Terry | Bedford, Indiana
    Date: February 4, 2014
    To the family. May god grant you peace in your time of sorrow. Curt was a great person and loved by all who met him. He was a fellow classmate and will truly be missed.
  23. Guest: Robin Roberts | Orleans, IN
    Date: February 4, 2014
    A great person and friend. Had some great times on and off the court.
  24. Guest: Diana Hanson | Bloomington, IN
    Date: February 4, 2014
    I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. May God bless you with peace and comfort during this time. Sincerely, Diana (Hall) Hanson
  25. Guest: Karen Pace | BedfordIndiana
    Date: February 4, 2014
    Curt was a wonderful person. His work on earth is done, now he can work for The Lord. My deepest sympathy to the family at this time of sorrow.
  26. Guest: Susan Sullivan | OaklandCity, IN
    Date: February 4, 2014
    The Alumni of Oakland City University extends our deepest sympathy to the Curt Gilstrap family. Curt was one of our own and brought pride and honor to Oakland City University. Rest in Peace.
  27. Guest: CONTECH ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS | Mitchell, IN
    Date: February 4, 2014
    We are so sorry for your loss! We worked with Curt and Corey here at Contech for a short period of time. Great men! Dave and Steve are wonderful men also and always spoke highly of their brother!
  28. Guest: Mike and Rita Ramey | Bloomington, IN
    Date: February 4, 2014
    Thinking of all of your this tough time. Curt's strength should be an inspiration to all of us. God Bless
  29. Guest: Larry & Rita Sloan | Paris, TN
    Date: February 4, 2014
    I remember Curt as a shy and humble person. He was only 6'3" & 145 pounds as a freshman. He scrimmaged with the varsity and dressed out. I did get to see him playa few games aafter I graduated. He was certainly something to watch. He was a great player and more than that a great person. Our condolences to the family and may God be with you.
  30. Guest: Lola Taylor | orleansindianaM
    Date: February 4, 2014
    My sincere sympathy to the family. Our class of 1974 was a close fun group of kids ! Curt was loved by all & will be deeply missed!
  31. Guest: Paul & Kathy Stroud | Mitchell, IN.47446
    Date: February 3, 2014
    Our thoughts and prayers to all of the families.......an unbearable loss to so many who knew him....God Bless!
  32. Guest: Brian Lycan | Marshall, IL
    Date: February 3, 2014
    I had met Curt approximately 3 or 4 times when he was riding along with either Leo, Steve, or Dave to CPI's store in Illinois. It was a pleasure talking to him, as it is always pleaureable talking to any of the other Gilstraps. Leo always had fascinating "life experiencing" tales to tell and his boys are no exception. They are all top-notch, Grade A, down-to-earth people whom I am proud to have known. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the entire family. May God bless each of you.
  33. Guest: Victoria Tegarden | Salem, Indiana47167
    Date: February 3, 2014
    Curt was always a very sweet and polite person...so sorry for his loss to his family....love you all, may you find comfort and peace. Love, Vicki Tegarden
  34. Guest: Tina Roach | OrleansIN
    Date: February 3, 2014
    Curt had a heart of gold...one of the finest men I have ever known. Prayers for the family. RIP Gentle Giant....you will be missed.
  35. Guest: JIM CARROLL | BLOOMINGTONIN47403
    Date: February 3, 2014
    I REMEMBER COMING HOME FROM IU AND COACH MCCONELL HAD ME REF A JR HIGH BALLGAME FEATURING CURT AND LARRY BIRD. SO SORRY TO THE WONDERFUL FAMILY OF CURT AS HE WAS THE NICEST, GENTLEST GIANT. BIG JIM

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Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center