Carroll Avery Curfman, 94 1/2, retired meat market manager, born October 19, 1914, passed to everlasting life on May 21, 2009.

Carroll was born on the Curfman farm 10 miles north of Winfield to Orland A. and Elva Mae (Brewer) Curfman. Carroll's grandfather, Josiah H. Curfman acquired the land in March 1871. It previously had been government land. Carroll was raised in Rock and Mulvane and graduated in 1932 from Mulvane High School. He moved to Arkansas City, Kansas, and graduated in 1937 from Arkansas City Junior College (Basement University).

Carroll met the love of his life, A. Ruth Knedler, and they married June 26, 1938. Carroll was working at Shutler's Market as a meat cutter. Carroll and Ruth moved to Winfield in 1942. They bought their home at 1011 East 15th and lived there for 63 years where they raised 3 sons and 1 daughter.

Carroll continued his career as a meat cutter and worked for Feaster's Market, Shenneman's Market and Quesenberry's Market. In 1951, he became Meat Market Manager for Albertson's Grocery, which in 1970's became Wheeler IGA. Carroll retired in October 1976.

In retirement, Carroll and Ruth enjoyed traveling. Their travels took them to Israel, Oman, Hawaii, and many points all over the United States. The Curfman family members have many fond memories of annual (for twenty years) gatherings in Wa-Ha-To-Ya Canyon in Colorado, where Carroll would make his famous pancakes. When Carroll was asked recently if he had a favorite vacation place, he said "They were all favorites."

Carroll enjoyed woodworking as a hobby and had a small shop set up in their home. He also used his shop area for processing pecans, which kept family members well supplied. He also enjoyed his vegetable garden for many years. As a second career, he maintained their rental properties.

A third career presented itself when Ruth became ill. Carroll was her full time caregiver until their collective health declined and they moved to Cumbernauld Village in February 2006. June 26, 2009, Carroll and Ruth would have celebrated 71 years of love, commitment and devotion to each other.

In 1945, Carroll and Ruth joined the First Presbyterian Church in Winfield. Carroll was recognized in 2008 for 63 years of church membership. Carroll was an active member and served as Elder and Deacon through the years. He also sang with the Chancel Choir and was an active member of the Merry Mac Mariners at First Presbyterian Church.
He also sang with the Elijah Choir for many years. Carroll was also an active Kiwanian until his health declined.

Carroll is survived by:
His wife: Ruth of Winfield;
His sons: Ronald K. Curfman and wife, Dee of Magnolia, TX; Darrell K. Curfman and wife, Mary of Gladstone, MO;
His daughter: Carolyn Furrh and husband, Jack Jr. of Marble Falls, TX;
His 8 grandchildren: Kenton Curfman and wife, Amy; Carey Kingsbury and husband, Eric; Tina Hoban and husband, Ed; Brian Curfman and wife, Veselina; Cara Lyn Stengler and husband, Waylon; Kimberly Jo Zumwalt and husband, Joshua; Jack Furrh III; and Patty Curfman; and
His 8 great-grandchildren.

Carroll was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Edna Farney and Beulah Mae Feese, and a son, Richard C. Curfman.

Carroll's favorite scripture that he learned as a young boy was John 3:16. The family wishes to thank the Cumbernauld Village "family" and Hospice Care of Kansas for their compassionate, attentive care.

In lieu of flowers or food, memorials have been established in Carroll's name for Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, Hospice Care of Kansas and the American Heart Association. Contributions may be made through Miles Funeral Service.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. at the First Presbyterian Church in Winfield. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery. Friends may call at Miles Funeral Service Tuesday evening from 5 to 9 P.M. The family will greet visitors from 6 to 8 that evening.