Darrell “Buzz” Lee Curry, the son of Reuben and Elizabeth (Heien) Curry was born Jan. 6, 1933, in Spencer. His childhood years were spent in the Spencer area, where he attended school and graduated from Spencer High School in 1952. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1953 and served until his Honorable Discharge in 1955.
Buzz married Lucille Skartwed on June 30, 1956, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Emmetsburg. He attended the University of South Dakota and graduated with his B.A. from Buena Vista University. He spent 35 years teaching and 27 years coaching in Sioux Rapids, Colfax, Aurelia and Spencer. He returned to Spencer where he taught and coached, spending his last 15 years teaching sixth grade before his retirement in 1995. He also volunteered on the grounds crew for the Clay County Fair. Buzz enjoyed golfing, fishing, going to the casino and especially spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Buzz passed away on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, at Spencer Hospital, at the age of 93.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Lucille; one son, Brett; two sisters, Helen and Maerene; and one brother, Duane.
Left to cherish his memory are three sons: Steve of Sedona, Ariz.; Todd (Sandy) of Washington state; and Chris Curry of Spencer; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; other relatives; and many friends.
Buzz was beloved by many former students and players, visits, calls and cards from them were common from all schools.
“Excellent job Dad, no one did it better” — Chris
Graveside services were held for Darrell “Buzz” Lee Curry on Sunday, Oct. 18 at North Lawn Memorial Park in Spencer with full military honors presented by the American Legion Glen Pedersen Post #1, and the Clay County V.F.W. Post #3159, Spencer. Pastor Paul Kahldahl officiated. Interment was at North Lawn Memorial Park, Spencer. Honorary pallbearers were Kyle Curry, Matt Curry, Chris Curry, Greg Grover and Andy VanWydie.
The Warner Funeral Home and Crematory assisted the family www.warnerfuneralhome.com.
