Reverend John Charles Curtis

Reverend John Charles Curtis, a beloved priest of the Diocese of Lexington, entered eternal life on Sept. 7, 2026, at the age of 76.
Father Curtis was born on Oct. 26, 1949, to James Cleveland Curtis and Mary Margaret Feehan.
From an early age, he was called to a life of faith and service, ultimately answering God’s call to the priesthood.
Father Curtis received his college education at St. Pius X Seminary in Erlanger, Kentucky, and continued his theological studies at St. Meinrad Seminary in St. Meinrad, Indiana. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 2, 1984, at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington by the Most Reverend Bishop William A. Hughes.
Throughout his priestly ministry, Father Curtis faithfully served the people of God in parishes and schools throughout the Diocese of Covington and Lexington.
His pastoral assignments included:
1984: Holy Cross Church, Latonia — part-time Parochial Vicar; Holy Cross High School, Latonia — part-time faculty.
1986: Good Shepherd Church, Frankfort — Parochial Vicar.
1988: St. Paul Catholic Church — Pastor.
1994: St. Clare Church, Berea; St. Paul Church, McKee; and Our Lady of Mount Vernon — Pastor of all three churches.
2007: Annunciation Catholic Church, Paris, and Our Lady of Guadalupe, Carlisle — Pastor.
2013: St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Lawrenceburg — Pastor.
2015: St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Lawrenceburg — returned as administrator.
July 1, 2016: Retired from active parish ministry.
For more than three decades, Father Curtis devoted his life to proclaiming the Gospel, celebrating the sacraments, shepherding God’s people, and bringing Christ’s love and mercy to those entrusted to his care. His priestly ministry touched the lives of countless parishioners, students, families, and communities. Father Curtis was a blessing to the LGBTQ+ Ministry & Fortunate Families of Saint Paul Catholic Church.
Even in retirement, Father Curtis remained a priest at heart, carrying with him the love of the Church and the people he had served throughout his years of ministry. His life was a testament to a vocation faithfully given in service to God and His people.
Survivors include Cathy Vittitow (Sister), Nick and Jacob Chafin (Nephews), Ella Vittitow (Niece), John Clay Curtis (Nephew), Erick and Mike Curtis (Nephews), Carol Curtis Prather (Niece), Eiylah J. Chafin (Niece), Christian Prather (Nephew) and The Murphy Clan.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary Curtis; Jami Curtis, Rick Curtis and Mark Curtis.
Family members will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Father John’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Visitation: Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, 5-8 p.m.; 7 p.m. vigil service, both at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, 463 E. Main St., Lexington; Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, noon-1 p.m. at historic Saint Paul Catholic Church, 425 W. Short St., Lexington.
Funeral Mass: 1 p.m., Friday, Sept. 11, 2026 at historic Saint Paul Catholic Church, 425 W. Short St., Lexington.
Final Resting Place: Calvary Cemetery, 874 W. Main St., Lexington.