Graveside service  with Full Military Honors for Retired SSG Curtis Eugene Houssel II, 67 of Temple, TX will be held Friday, March 7, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX.

Mr. Houssel passed away February 11, 2025 in Temple, TX. He was born March 7, 1957, in Milan, TN.

It is with unbearable sadness that the family of Curtis Eugene Houssel II announces his sudden passing at his home in Temple, TX.

Curtis's journey began in Milan, TN where he graduated from Milan High School and then chose to be of service to our nation in the United States Army. The Army was stuck with the worst 13-Bravo Cannon Crewman ever - so eventually he was allowed to serve as an 0-2-Bravo, which led to one of the best Trumpet Players and Jazz musician any Army band could know. Curtis used his talent to demonstrate his commitment and respect to other soldiers by always volunteering to play TAPS for anyone who requested a live Bugler while he served our Nation. At a time when he had no official obligation to any branch of service after his retirement, Curtis voluntarily served his military community as a civilian in Iraq, because he truly believed "once a soldier - always a soldier!" HOOAH-!! He was an easy­ going, down-to-earth, kind and gentle soul who loooved to laugh! (Think the 4-Kings of Comedy) and believe with no doubt that he could quote many of their best expressions and lines with a masterful imitation that would leave you in stitches. Curtis could travel to the ends of the earth for good BBQ or good Jazz & enjoyed the street-cred that came with riding his motorcycle, whose name is Mamma-Jamma! He was also an Excelsior College graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music.

Curtis is preceded in death by his parents Curtis E. Houssel Sr and Anna "Sweet-Pea" Crutchfield Houssel, his sisters Anita "Miss" Yvette Belew, and Beverly Houssel-Horton. He is survived by his wife Gisele, who was the love of his life for about a year or two and then she was just happily stuck with him for the additional 38 years they adored each other together. Curtis also leaves behind to mourn his passing two brothers, Kenneth Belew of Milan, TN, David Houssel of Decherd, TN and Mickey McDonald of Chicago IL-his cousin whom he always thought of as his other brother.  Furthermore, he leaves his sister Lucretia Houssel-Littleton of Houston, TX, and his favorite "peeps'- nieces Tracy Smith of Maryville, TN and Dewuana Atkins of St. Louis, MO, along with a host of nephews, nieces, in-laws and other family and friends too many to mention, but cherished, nonetheless.

Although Curtis is no longer with us, his love and laughter lives on as a blessing to all who knew him. His legacy of gentle kindness remains present through any act of compassion for others in tribute to his loving memory, and every act of kindness ensures that he will remain in our hearts forever.