Curtis Theodore Middleton, beloved son, brother, dad, and Pap Pap slipped loose of his earthly bonds to go to a better place on Friday, July 18, 2025.

Born in Cumberland, MD to Curtis "Ray" and Gail Middleton, he grew up delivering newspapers, riding his bike, mowing neighborhood lawns, going to Shaw's, and spending time on his grandparents' farm. He also enjoyed tormenting his one and only sister, Joyce, along the way.

He attended Catholic School beginning at St Mary's where he met lifelong friends, Brian, Nancy, Bill, Cindy, and Kevin. Upon graduation from Bishop Walsh in 1977, Curtis enlisted in the Marines and served for 4 years. This was something he held in pride for the rest of his life, Once a Marine, Always a Marine. Semper Fi.

Curtis could be known as a nomad, moving between West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland and finally started his career as an over the road truck driver in 1997, allowing him to visit the rest of the continental United States. He earned several "Driver of the Year" awards throughout his career.

He was known as the life of the party, knowing to bring laughter where he went. He was a free spirit and lived accordingly. He loved many women along the way, including the mother of his daughter, Shari.

In 2016 he realized a lifelong dream of moving out west and made the trek to Las Vegas, Nevada. He spent his time working at Poly West, meeting his loving friend Lianne, and her daughter Ann, adopting his fur baby, Kitty Cat, and finally retiring. During this time, 3 grandchildren, Raylan, Layla, and John were born. They looked forward to his annual visits when he came home to spend time with them.

Curtis moved to Franklin, West Virginia, in 2024, thanks to his cherished cousin, Kevin Musgrove, and wife Cheryl, who helped to provide him with a home in which to stay. This allowed him to be closer to family and enjoy a slower pace of retirement life. He spent his final days exploring nature on his side-by-side with his cousins, with Kitty Cat, watching the WNBA, and visiting with his sister, daughter, and family.

Curtis was not without his struggles, as most of us are, and on July 18th, they became too much for him. He leaves behind a shattered family who will never be the same. Devoted sister, Joyce, "Sissy", Middleton, best friend and daughter, Destiny, "Snoodle Doodle", Swandol, loved son-in-law, Derrick, "Sonnybuck," Swandol, 3 grandbabies, Raylan, "Bubbaloowie," Swandol, Layla, "Goldielox," Swandol, John, "Big John/Pistol Pete," Swandol, fur baby, Kitty Cat, and best friend, closest person he has to a brother, Brian Day. There are more cousins, friends, and extended family than this obituary can hold, spanning the entire country.

He is preceded in death by his parents, maternal and paternal grandparents, aunts and uncles, and special cousin, Jeanne Sneathen.

We would like to thank the staff at the Sleep Well Inn and apologize for the circumstances. We would also like to thank Debbie Wolford and Detective Palmer, and the Cumberland City Police for their kindness during this life-shattering event. We would like to thank the staff at the VA in Las Vegas, NV as well as Franklin, WV.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made in Curtis's name to your local animal shelter, Veteran's Association, or local library as Curtis always had a book on his person, just like his mom.

If you have a loved one who suffers from depression and talks about suicide, we plead with you to get them help. Please do not assume you know what their highs or lows look like and take any threat seriously. If you or a loved one need help, please reach out to 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or their website at http://988lifeline.org

Family and friends will be received on Friday, July 25, 2025, from 5 PM to 7 PM at Scarpelli's Funeral Home on Virginia Avenue. While there is no formal service, Curtis will receive military honors accorded by Ft. Cumberland Post 13 Honor Guard at 7 PM.

Curtis fought demons his whole life but is now at peace in the merciful arms of Jesus Christ and family and friends who have gone before him. Please do not pass judgement on Curtis, or his choices, for "The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." – 1 Samuel 16: 7.

We count the days until we see you, hear you, and can laugh with you again.

In the spirit of his love for Harley Davidson motorcycles and only knowing how to do things on his own terms, this one is for you, Dad. Thank you for giving me my impeccable taste in all things Classic Rock.

Well, I've got to run to keep from hidin,'

And I'm bound to keep on ridin'

And I've got one more silver dollar

But I'm not gonna let 'em catch me, no

Not gonna let 'em catch the Midnight Rider

Excerpt from Midnight Rider -Allmann Brothers Band