Bobby ‘Curly’ Corwin

Bobby Vernon “Curly” Corwin, 88, passed away on March 15, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, music, laughter and deep love for his family.

He was born on April 22, 1937, to Everett Andrew Corwin and Stella Mae Chaney Corwin and graduated from Smith Center High School in Smith Center, Kan., in 1955.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Fern, VerJean and Carol Rae; and the love of his life, his wife, Carolyn Marie Kersey Corwin.

He is survived by his sister Marilyn Bliss; his nephew Kendall Bliss; nieces Janene Bliss, Kimberly Bliss-Hendricks and Anita Mariani; his sons Brad Corwin, Mike Corwin, Dakota Corwin, Marty Johnson; and his otro hijo y amigo Junior Orozco; and his daughters Polly Reed, Shelly Ratcliff and Amy McAnally.

He also leaves behind 16 cherished grandchildren, Lucas, Lynae, Sylvia, Bethany, Christopher, Jordan, Emma, Will, Jackie, Kirstie, Drew, Elliott, Ben, Ali, Reese and Ella; and one great-grandson on the way, a reminder that his legacy will continue.

Known to many simply as “Curly,” a nickname earned from his natural curls and carried with pride throughout his life, Bobby was a man of grit, determination and vision.

He began his journey in the oilfield as a young man, working long, demanding days as a roughneck and learning the value of perseverance.

Through hard work and courage, he built and co-founded successful oil and gas ventures, leaving a lasting mark on the industry and the communities he served.

But beyond his professional accomplishments, Bobby was a man of passion and joy.

Music was woven into the fabric of his life. As a boy, he played rhythm guitar alongside his father, who played the fiddle, bringing music to gatherings from living rooms to honkytonks.

That love of music stayed with him always, leading him to Nashville, where he helped build studios, produce artists and share his talent as a songwriter and performer.

He could pick up nearly any stringed instrument and make it sing and he never missed a chance to entertain those around him with a story, a song or a laugh.

Bobby embraced life fully and fearlessly. He traveled the world, creating unforgettable memories – including hitting a golf ball off a pyramid in Egypt.

He found joy in Puerto Vallarta and adventure in the sky as a helicopter pilot and hot air balloon enthusiast.

Yet, of all the places he went, his heart was most at home at his cabin on the Cimarron River, where he found peace surrounded by nature and the people he loved.

His faith in Jesus Christ was a cornerstone of his life.

Curly knew the grace, mercy and love of his Savior and it was his deepest desire that those he loved would come to experience that same grace, mercy and love for themselves.

That hope and faith gave him strength, shaped his life and now gives comfort to those he leaves behind.

He was a proud founding member of the Grand National Quail Club, a 32nd-degree Mason and a generous supporter of charities including Billy Barty’s Little People, Alley’s House and Toby Keith’s OK Kids Korral.

Above all, Bobby will be remembered for the way he made people feel – welcomed, entertained and valued. He lived boldly, loved deeply and left behind stories that will be told for generations.

His laughter, his music and his spirit will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at First Baptist Church, 220 S. Grand, Crescent.