February 5, 1942- July 3, 2024
Dr. Richard “Dick” Blair Curnow, M.D. of Liberty, Missouri, passed away on July 3, 2024 at home of complications due to a heart condition. Dick was born February 5, 1942 to Sam and Katie Curnow in Whittier, California. After World War II ended, Sam told Katie to load up the boys for a visit back home to Breckenridge, Missouri. That ended up being a one-way trip, but one that allowed Dick to grow up hunting and fishing in North-Central Missouri: the foundation of a lifelong passion.
Upon graduating from Breckenridge High School with the Class of 1959, Dick headed to Fayette, Missouri, to play football and attend school at Central Methodist College. He was a four-year varsity starter on the football team, who earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and Biology in 1963. Dick went on to study medicine at the University of Missouri, Columbia, where he earned his M.D. in 1967.
While serving his internship in Denver at St. Luke’s Hospital, he met and fell in love with Earleen “Lee” Tweedie, who was practicing as a pediatric nurse in the surgical intensive care unit at Children’s Hospital in Denver. They were married in Denver on December 30, 1967 at Trinity United Methodist church. In 1968, Dick answered his patriotic call to duty and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy. He served two years as a doctor at Camp Pendleton, California. Upon the completion of his service as a Captain in the Navy, he followed in his father’s footsteps and loaded his wife and sons into the car and headed back to Missouri.
Shortly after his return to Missouri, Dick was accepted to the Dickson-Diveley clinic in Kansas City to train as an orthopedic surgeon. He then began practicing as an orthopedist in the Kansas City area, settling in Liberty, Missouri, where he practiced medicine at Liberty Orthopedics for 40 years. He treated thousands of people, many of whom would approach him years later in public, thanking him for his help.
Dick owned several farms in northern Missouri that were strategically located near some of the best hunting in America. Whether it was deer, turkey, or morel mushroom hunting on his farms in Breckenridge, or duck hunting at Mound City, MO, he was an expert in the field. His love of the outdoors and his generous nature led him to open his farms to family as well as friends from across the country, many of whom returned every year for decades to spend time with Dick. His lifelong pursuit of hunting and fishing took him all over the world, where he went on adventures in dozens of states in the continental U.S., Alaska, Canada, Mongolia, Mexico, and Argentina.
Knowing it was the responsibility of the hunter to give back, Dick led by example. Along with some of his best hunting friends, he started the Lewis and Clark chapter of Ducks Unlimited in Liberty, MO in 1972. Dick then went on to serve as Missouri State Chairman of Duck’s Unlimited for two years from 1980-1982, and as bespeaks his passion, Dick was a life sponsor of Duck’s Unlimited.
Dick also enjoyed playing poker, playing golf, traveling, enjoying fine food, McCallan 12, MIZZOU sports, and collecting. He spent decades amassing one of the largest collections of Winchester shotguns, rifles, advertising, fishing equipment and the like. If it was stamped “Winchester,” he collected it. Dick also collected antique decoys, shotgun shell boxes, native American blankets, hand carved duck calls, and knives. His keen intelligence and ability to retain information put him in a position to be an expert in all of these fields. Collectors from around the world sought his expertise and opinions.
Dick is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lee “Earleen”, his sons, Grant, Patrick (Jolyan), Matthew (Gina) and Nathan (Kristina); grandchildren, Tristan, Lilly, Sam, Veronica, Weston, Henry, Donnie, Jewel, Quinn, Connor, Reeonna, Cameron and Declan; his brothers, Dr. Robert “Bob” John Curnow M.D. and Randall “Randy” Wayne Curnow (Janie) and their families.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Katie Curnow, and his son, Adam Robert Curnow.
A graveside service will be held at 1 PM on Friday, July 12, 2024 at Rose Hill Cemetery in Breckenridge, MO, followed by an open house at the Curnow Farm located at 13249 Burlington Dr., Breckenridge, MO 64625.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be given to Ducks Unlimited or the charity of their choice.
https://www.ducks.org/get-involved/memorial-giving
Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.
Our Sincere Condolences
Lee and all of Dick’s children, grandchildren and loved ones…… I have known Dr. Curnow since I was 27, and I am now 74. I went to him 3 times by choice after meeting him when I had knee issues. He was simply THE BEST! I am heartsick that he is gone, but he will never be gone in my heart. God bless Dick Curnow…..another great Angel in Heaven.
Donna Ruege
May all of his loved ones be filled with peace and great memories. I have fond memories working total joint cases with Dr Curnow.
Melissa Waibel
So many fond memories of Dick and the entire Curnow family. I am BHS Class of 1960, one year after Dick graduated (1959). Katy was my Cub Scout Den Mother and Sunday school teacher. Sam was my Little League baseball coach, and “mentor” in so many ways. Bob and Randy joined the family later, but I know both are aware of the bond between our families. “Heartsick” is my feeling too! More later.
Gerald Lee (Jerry) Matthes
Our sincere condolences to you and your family as you mourn Dick’s death. He will be fondly remembered by the many people who had the privilege of knowing him as a friend and colleague.
Premlall Gukhool
Lee and family, sending all of you my thoughts and prayers. I remember Dick from back almost as far as I can remember. Dick was a great person and a wonderful friend to many. Hang onto your memories.
Bob and Randy, losing a sibling is hard and thinking of both of you as well. Hope to see you both again one of these days soon.
Barbara Bothwell Connor
Dick always had a smile, a laugh, a story to tell, and a firm handshake. He was a good husband, father, brother, and friend. Thanks, Dick, for your servants heart, and memories.
Jim Masten
Lee and all the family,
Thanks for the years of enjoyment with Dick.
Hunting ,fishing, telling our outdoor adventure stories, golf and a cocktail once in awhile are all good memories.
He will never be forgotten as a true friend, doctor, Father grandfather and husband to Lee.
Marvin Mathewson
I believe the first time meeting Dr. Curnow, it was going to his office when my brother Johnny broke his forearm rollerskating. We grew up with all the Curnow “boys” in Liberty. An amazing man and family. Such a great guy. You’re a better person if you had the change to meet him. Sending lots of Love & Comfort to the whole family and friends of Doc Curnow. Warm hugs.
God Bless,
Joanie Gregory & Family
I wish to tinder my deepest heartfelt sympathy to the Curnow family in the passing of Dr. Richard. He was a Giant in friendship to me, kind and irreproachable, generous, and always spent time with me when I flew into Kansas City, and always had a GREAT duck camp story to tell. He made the fish cookouts at the farm, followed by decoy collectibles shows the next day a real treat! He treated his friends like family. He commanded the highest respect and admiration in the Winchester collecting fraternity, and was the “go to guy” for his immense knowledge. He loved his family, and shared with others. He will be deeply missed and his memory will always be Lighthearted and Evergreen!
Faithfully Yours, Dan Nelson
