The decision to become a Doctor of Chiropractic was the direct result of seeking care for a sciatic nerve problem stemming from back injury from a World War II airplane crash. After receiving much military medical treatment for this, he entered the office of Dr. Clyde Keeler, Chiropractor, of Dallas, Texas, and was greatly impressed with the wonderful results obtained in his case. He spent some time talking with Dr. Keeler and was so impressed with what could be accomplished with chiropractic, he enrolled in the Logan School of Chiropractic. Not only was a new future presented but as a result of entering Logan College as a student, he met and married Stephanie Mary Godek who was also a student. Deciding to receive a well rounded education, they transferred to Missouri Chiropractic College and after another transfer for more knowledge, graduated from Kansas State Chiropractic College in August, 1948.
Dallas, Texas was to be their home and their office door opened to practice on January, 1949 in “Big D”. Practice went very well for the two new D.C.s when Dr. Curtis was recalled in the Korean War, October 1950 and served until March of 1953, returning to Dallas, to practice with Dr. Stephanie in the White Rock section of the City.
Dr. Curtis has served in the offices of the Dallas County Chiropractic Society (DCCS), was president twice of this organization and received the DCCS “Chiropractor of the Year” award in 1963. He has been a long time chairman of the DCCS public relations committee. He has served two terms as president of District 5, Texas State Chiropractic Association, and has served in various committees of the Texas State Chiropractic Association. Dr. Curtis is a charter member of the American Chiropractic Association and is a member of the newly formed ACA Library Committee.
He has served as chairman of the TSCA Fairs and Expositions Committee since 1967 and developed a state-wide fair booths system, designed five completely different fair exhibit booths with crates for shipment. Wrote and designed three TSCA public service brochures, the latest being the “Doctor of Chiropractic” for exhibit booth handout material. Designed TSCA silkscreen seals and educational display material for hotel lobby display during conventions. Has consistently worked with the Dallas News media concerning quackery programs and their news releases. The Medicare poster presented to the field by the American Chiropractic Association was designed by Dr. Curtis.
Inter professional good will letters was another of his “musts” P.R. Suggestions to the TSCA which recently became a reality reaching over 6000 allied doctors in Texas explaining the art and science of chiropractic. Due to his efforts, this program was also included in the ACA public relations kit for use throughout the nation. Letters are designed for mailout to dentists, optometrists, podiatrists, psychologists, osteopaths, veterinarians, and attorneys.
He is active in the Christian Church, is a member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans Assn. and the USAF Reserve Officers Assn.
The coveted Keeler Plaque was received by Dr. Curtis in 1969 at the TSCA Convention in San Antonio. It was especially significant to him, since the Keeler Plaque was originated by the Doctor of Chiropractic who was responsible for his chiropractic career. It was received with pride in the presence of Dr. Clyde Keeler and Texas Governor, Preston Smith, the first governor of Texas to attend the TSCA Convention banquet.
Dr. Curtis was honored with membership in the International College of Chiropractors in 1969. He has long been active in the Texas Chiropractic College Building Fund, and is an alumni member of the Logan and National Chiropractic Colleges.
Curtis and his wife Stephanie are at home on their farm living in a 100 year old house in Forney, Texas, a short distance from Dallas. His hobbies are fishing, organic gardening and pet animals of all kinds.
