Joel "Joe" Ray Curless, 62, of Springfield, MO, passed away Thursday, December 18, 2025. He was born June 10, 1963, to Donald and Leliah (Moutray) Curless of Palmyra, MO. Joe is survived by his wife, Carol; daughters, Heather Sutton and Kristin Curless; and brothers, Jerry and Jim Curless.

Following a twenty-year career, Joe retired from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. He was an accomplished wood worker and builder using the carpentry skills he learned from his father. A true passion for Joe was his time spent on the football field as a High School Football Referee. He loved the game. In September 2025, Joe was inducted into the Southwest Missouri Football Officials Association Hall of Fame. He was deeply honored.

A Visitation for Joe will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services, 2026 W Woodland St Springfield, MO 65807.

The family will host a Celebration of Life Fish Fry in the Spring of 2026, for friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, Joe asked that all donations be sent to the Southwest Missouri Football Officials Association at https://smfoa-mo.org/.