Curtis Eugene Parrett

For those who knew and loved him, there wasnt anyone quite like Curtis Parrett. An exuberant young man, he expelled warmth and care to everyone. With a smile that could light up a room, Curtis lived each day with a genuine and kind spirit full of compassion and love. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, and his easy going nature drew others to his side. Taken much too soon from loves embrace, Curtis legacy lives on in the heart of his precious daughter and those who knew him best.

At a time when Miami Vice was the TV show to watch and Back to the Future was the movie to see, the U.S. was continuing to make great strides in technology and innovations. The age of video games, Pac Man was released and the Nintendo gaming system was on every childs Christmas list. Yet for Neil and Debbie (Utter) Parrett, the greatest gift of all was beginning the New Year of 1985 with the blessed birth of their little boy, Curtis Eugene Parrett on January 2.

Born prematurely, Curtis was always a fighter. He was raised in Columbia City, Indiana and was a lifetime resident of Whitley County. During his youth he played football and baseball, and he enjoyed swimming and riding bikes with neighborhood friends. Curtis loved anything with wheels and an engine. He spent much time on his mini bike, dirt bikes, and four-wheelers. Later he loved drag racing his Mustang. Curtis even drove his first car at the age of seven! Like many young boys, Curtis loved skating, playing video games and he was into all sports. He also liked going to school.

Having attended the local schools, Curtis did well in his studies. He shared the friendships of many, and he especially enjoyed blueprint drawing and C.A.D. In his free time he liked taking in a good game of golf at Magic Hills, and when it came to water sports, he enjoyed them all, particularly canoeing. Camping also provided him with fun times. Although he took a keen interest in girls, from the ages of 16 to 31, Curtis only had three girlfriends he came to know and spend memorable times with, including Brittany, Rachael, and Chelsie.

While in high school, Curtis landed his first job working at Pizza King. He went on to graduate from Columbia City High School with the Class of 2003, and soon began working at Micropulse, Inc. as a CNC machinist. He really liked his job there and he learned much along the way. Curtis most recently worked for CRI Construction as a skilled laborer.

Through the years Curtis mainly lived with his mom and their family dog, Nellie who was never far from his side. Curtis and his mother shared a close bond. He truly loved her, and he demonstrated it in many helpful ways. Always a soft hearted and caring man, Curtis was someone whom others could depend with his time and talents whenever needed.

Anyone who met Curtis loved him. He was fun to be around, and he enjoyed having good times partying with friends. Times spent at local lake cabin gatherings always brought back great memories for Curtis. His smile warmed the hearts of all, and his beautiful, long eyelashes were the envy of most women! Curtis could easily strike up a conversation with anyone. He was a good person to talk to, and those around him appreciated his laid back, easy-going nature.

The day Curtis became a father was the greatest day of his life. Ever proud, he delighted in his little girl, Caydence who was born on February 4, 2010, and he relished every moment spent with her. The two enjoyed many trips to the area parks for fun, adventure and long walks. And the zoo was just one of their favorite places to go together. Curtis came to be known as the best nail painter in the world according to Caydence, in addition to doing her hair well. When out on jobs, he always looked forward to coming home on the weekends and spending time with Caydence. Together they shared wintertime fun sledding and building snowmen. For the last two winters, his entire family went roller skating on Sunday afternoons, and thanks to the helping hands of Dad, Caydence is getting pretty good at roller skating.

One of Curtis unique sayings was using the term, ish for everything, like lets meet around eight-ish. He was an Indianapolis Colts fan through and through, and he rarely missed a game. He loved all kinds of music and movies, and when it came to TV, he enjoyed watching nature shows, the History Channel, and watching PBS and Disney movies with his daughter. Curtis absolutely loved singing karaoke with his family where good times were had by all.

Curtis loved his family and savored any time he could spend with them and his many friends. More than anything, his daughter, Caydence brought joy to his heart and he considered her to be his greatest gift in life. He was ever the loving father any little girl could ask for, and he counted himself blessed each time she threw her arms around him and cuddled next to him. Curtis was a genuine and loving father, son, grandson, cousin and friend to all who came to know him. He lived fully and completely at every opportunity, and with his Caydence by his side, there was no greater place hed rather have been. To have known Curtis was to love him, and he added much to the lives he leaves behind. Never far from memories reach, he will be long remembered and forever missed.

Curtis Eugene Parrett, age 31, of Columbia City, IN passed away on Sunday, February 7, 2016 at I.U. Health Bloomington Hospital, Bloomington, IN. Survivors include his daughter, Caydence Parrett; former sweetheart, Chelsie Byer; his mother, Debbie (Jeremiah Wittwer) Parrett, all of Columbia City; his father, Neil (Julie) Parrett of Fort Wayne; paternal grandfather, Robert Glenn Parrett Sr. of Albion; maternal grandmother, Teresa Utter; maternal grandfather, Carl Utter of MO; maternal great-grandmother, Pat Hartman of Columbia City; several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Clara Bell Parrett-Wineland and maternal great-grandfather, Ralph Lee Hartman.

Friends may call on Sunday, February 14, 2016 from 1-7 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services for Curtis will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 15, 2016 at the funeral home with calling one hour prior. Memorial contributions in memory of Curtis may be made to Caydences Education Fund. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to sign his online guest register, to share a favorite memory and photo and to send condolences.