WICHITA — Curtis “Curt” Michael Bugner was a loving husband, father, papa, brother and friend. He passed away bravely and peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 8, 2021, from complications of COVID. He was born Oct. 3, 1963, in Garden City to Eugene and Darlene Bugner. He was raised in Great Bend, Kan., and was one of five children, Cindy, Brad, Julie, Curtis and Jill. Curt was a member of the wrestling team at Great Bend High School, where he won several medals, and qualifying for State, where he placed 4th.
After graduating high school, he attended Salina Vo-tech and received a certification in diesel mechanics. He worked for over 30 years in the aircraft manufacturing industry. The last 11 years at Spirit.
After graduating from Vo-tech, Curt married Tammy Ford and together they had one son, Mikel Elijah. In 2000, he met the love of his life through a blind date. In 2002, he married Nita King. She brought to the family three children, Patrick, Alexandra, and Hannah.
Curt had many interests. He was an avid waterfowl hunter for over 50 years at the of Sandhills Gun Club. Some of his fondest memories included weekends with his hunting buddies in Great Bend. He loved fishing and family vacations. He never missed making a trip or vacation into a story he could share. Curt was known for turning the story into a fish tale each time he told it. Curt was a Chiefs fan through and through. He never missed an opportunity to share his enthusiasm for his favorite team.
Curt was a cancer survivor and a true warrior. He beat lymphoma twice and was cancer free prior to his battle with COVID. Curt loved to go to garage sales where he would find a junk item to repurpose into a useful treasure. Most of all, he loved creating things for his grandchildren. He was proud of the go-cart he built for the boys. He loved to express himself through drawing and art and he never missed an opportunity to sketch out a car for his grandsons. Being a papa “with no hair” was Curt’s true passion. He lived for spending time with his grandsons Roman, Braxton, Hudson and Harrison.
He is survived by his parents, Eugene and Darlene Bugner of Great Bend; spouse, Nita Jean Bugner; children, Patrick (Ashley) Buchanan of Little Rock, Ark., Alexandra (AJ) Beasley, Mikel Bugner, Hannah Sisemore all of Wichita; grandchildren, Roman, Braxton, Hudson, Harrison; brother, Brad (Tammie) Bugner, of Wichita; sisters, Cindy (David) Niederee of Derby, Julie (Mark) Smith of Pawnee Rock and Jill (Cory/deceased) Chambers of Great Bend; in-laws, Rick and Linda Clements of Haysville; brother-in-law, Ric (Debbie) Clements of Bentley; sisters-in-law, Kim (Lee) Crawford of Haysville, Jo (Kevin) Plumb of Wellington and Freda Harris of Chicago, along with numerous cousins, as well as nieces and nephews.
Curt attended and volunteered at GracePoint Church for over 15 years. His Celebration of Life Service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday March 27, 2021, at GracePoint Church, 9035 W. Central, Wichita. Curt requested hunting, camo and casual wear for the celebration. An education memorial has been established for the Beasley grandchildren c/o Wichita Federal Credit Union, 9835 E. 21st North, Wichita, KS 67206. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West. www.dlwichita.com.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Downing & Lahey Mortuary
6555 E. Central
Wichita, KS 67206
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 21, 2021
