Curtis Dean Brinlee

Curtis Dean Brinlee, age 84 and a resident of Holdenville, OK passed away after a short battle with cancer on August 1, 2026 surrounded by family.

The oldest of five children, Curtis was born to I.O. and Madge Brinlee on November 17, 1941 in Yeager, OK and was raised on a farm in the Lone Oak community. He graduated from Wetumka High School in 1960. In 1961, Curtis married Sharon Joan Smith and together they raised two children in a home filled with love. Curtis was a hard worker and always provided for his family, working as a farmer, oil field hand, ending his career as a salesman and small engine repairman at Western Auto/Dynamic Home and Garden in Holdenville for 42 years. After 46 years of marriage, Sharon passed away after a short battle with cancer. Curtis married Christine Carter Elliott in Holdenville, OK on August 30, 2008 and he gained a second family that he loved like his own.

Curtis enjoyed fishing, CB radios, gardening, and reading Western novels. Some of his favorite times were spent playing cards and dominoes with family and traveling to Branson. A man of faith, Curtis was a member of Capitol Heights Missionary Baptist Church, serving as Deacon, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Building Committee.

Curtis was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Sharon.

He is survived by his wife, Christine, of the home. Son: Kerry (Becky) Brinlee of Shawnee, OK. Daughter: Angie (Steve) Enos of Holdenville, OK. Grandchildren: Katy(Cooper) Jones, Brittany (Kory) Collier, Kory (Sierra) Brinlee, and Amber (Jake) Phillips. Step Grandsons: Blake (Keeley) Enos and Mitch (Courtney) Enos. Step Daughters: Angie (Jeff) Griffin of Seminole, OK and Jamie (Mark) Flemmer of McKinney, TX. Step Grandchildren: David (Jessica) Yates, Andrew (Chandler) Yates, Carter (Emily) Flemmer, Joshua (Chelsea) Flemmer, and Rachel Flemmer. Brothers: Hartsell (Joetta) Brinlee, Alton (Penna) Brinlee, Kenneth (Collene) Brinlee and sister: Patricia (Ed) Ray. Curtis is also survived by 23 great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends, as well as a cherished church family.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 8, at 2:00 p.m. at Capitol Heights Missionary Baptist Church in Holdenville. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Project Eye Can Help to help children with vision impairment. This is in honor of Curtis’ great-granddaughter, Adeline Jones, who suffered significant vision loss from childhood cancer. Or donations may be made to Capitol Heights Missionary Baptist Church, where Curtis served faithfully and honorably most of his life. His absence there will be felt greatly as he was loved by all and was a prime example of a man who truly loved the Lord.