Arvin "Woody" E. Curlis

Arvin “Woody” E. Curlis, age 84, of Findlay, passed gently into God’s loving arms on Monday, June 13, 2022, at Good Shepherd Home in Fostoria. He was born August 30, 1937, in Bradner, Ohio to Walter W. and LaVilla (Babcock) Curlis. After moving back to Findlay, Woody met the love of his life, Maria.

Curlis, a native of Bradner and a 1961 Bowling Green State University graduate, also was president elect of the Ohio High School Baseball Coaches Association. He was also an active member of the Findlay Officials Association for 15 years and was selected to officiate in the Ohio playoffs eight times. Woody was elected to the Hancock County Sports Hall of Fame in 1997.

During a 10-year tenure as the Findlay High baseball coach, Woody Curlis guided the Trojans to a State Championship in 1971 and a runner-up finish in 1972. His 174-50 coaching record at FHS included 29 consecutive victories and a 29-1 mark by his 1976 squad, five regional championships, six district titles, seven sectional crowns and five Buckeye Conference championships. Curlis, who was a basketball assistant at Findlay, compiled a 209-72 overall record with stints at Elmwood and Ada.

Woody enjoyed traveling and trips to casinos. Above all, he loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. Woody was also an avid OSU Buckeye fan.

Arvin is survived by his sons, Joel (Diane) Curlis, Todd (Kris) Curlis, and Ryan (Kathy) Curlis; daughter, Robin (Bill) Hartwell; 9 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; brothers, Thomas Curlis, and Randy (LuAnne) Curlis. He was preceded in death by both parents; a son, Rodd Curlis; and brother, Robert Curlis.

Friends and family may visit from 6:00 – 8:00 Friday, June 17, 2022, at HUFFORD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 1500 Manor Hill Rd, Findlay (419-422-1500). A continued visitation will be from 11 a.m. – Noon Saturday, June 18 with funeral services beginning at noon. Chaplain Bob Simosick will officiate the service. Interment will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Arvin’s memory may be made to Findlay City Mission at:  https://www.findlaymission.org or Findlay Trojans Athletics. 

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