Rev. Curtis Eugene Burge

Rev. Curtis Eugene Burge, 89, of New Castle, went home to be with the Lord he so faithfully loved and served on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Baptist Health Floyd in New Albany, Indiana. He was born on August 18, 1936, in Huntington, West Virginia, a son of the late Rev. Harry Curtis and Thelma Anna (Farren) Burge. From an early age, Curtis felt the call of God upon his life. At just 12 years old, he preached his first sermon, and by the age of 15, he left the hills of West Virginia to attend God’s Bible School in Cincinnati, Ohio—beginning a lifetime devoted to ministry and service. On March 4, 1955, Curtis married the love of his life and faithful companion, Wavelene June Bondurant. Together, they shared a life of ministry, pastoring churches in Ohio, Michigan, Washington, West Virginia, Indiana, and Kentucky. Curtis served humbly and faithfully wherever the Lord led, never seeking recognition, only desiring to serve God and care for people. In addition to his ministry, Curtis was a hardworking and highly skilled carpenter. He built many homes and churches, taking special pride in his detailed trim work. Whether preaching a sermon, swinging a hammer, or offering a helping hand, Curtis believed in honest work done for the glory of God. He loved attending revivals, camp meetings, and singing, and his faith was evident not only in words but in action. Curtis had a generous and giving spirit—often opening his home to those in need, feeding the hungry, and quietly helping anyone he could. His kindness, humility, and servant’s heart left a lasting impact on all who knew him. Those left to cherish Curtis’s memory include his children, Phil (Barbara) Burge of Springport, Diana (Mark) Ranke of Palmyra, Mark (Kari) Burge of Springport, Tim (Crystal) Burge of Corydon, and Matt (Lynnette) Burge of New Castle; 18 grandchildren; Tonya Lynn Wolfe, Nathan Allan Ranke, Jeremy Duwayne (Sabrina) Ranke, Paul Curtis Ranke, Joshua Neal (Katie) Ranke, Kimberly Dawn Ranke, Daniel Lee Ranke, Leah Renae (Tyler) Replogle, Peyton David Ranke, Joel Alexander Ranke, Shannon Lynn (Jake) Strange, Kristen Nicole (Justin) Hilligoss, Cameron Bryce (Rosa) Burge, Charles Arthur (Magen) Walker III, Kayla Mae Ellen Walker, Chelsea Nicole (Trey) Ball, Shelbie Ann (Steven) Bennett, and Landon Matthew (Alison) Burge; 33 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Curtis was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Wavelene Burge; an infant son, Ricky Lynn Burge; two grandsons, Curtis William Burge and Christian Evan Burge; a great-grandson, Emerson Jacob Strange; a sister, Betty Iona Conover; and a brother, Ralph Edward Burge. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Memorial Wesleyan Church, 2701 N. Memorial Drive, New Castle, with Rev. Tim Wiford officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Christian Cemetery in Springport. Friends may call at the church from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Sproles Family Funeral Home. The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Rev. Curtis Eugene Burge.

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Rev. Curtis Eugene Burge

August 18, 1936 - January 22, 2026