Navajo Nation Mourns Code Talker Rueben Curley, Sr

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Native Currents Discussion »

WINDOW ROCK, ARIZONA – The Navajo Nation mourns the loss of another heroic Code Talker.

Navajo Code Talker Reuben Curley, Sr Dead at 96

Code Talker Reuben Curley, 96, passed away last Saturday August 4 at his home in Flagstaff. Mr. Curley was born on July 10, 1916 in Bird Springs, Arizona.

Code Talker Curley enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in August of 1943 and served in World War II with the 2nd Marine Division.

“I am sad to hear this news. Our Navajo Code Talkers are very special to our people and we mourn the loss of Reuben Curley. At this time, the prayers of the Navajo Nation are with the family. We must never forget the service the Code Talkers did for our people in this country.”

President Shelly stated.

Code Talker Curley took part in campaigns at Tinian, Saipan, Guadalcanal, and Okinawa, also participating in the occupation of Japan. He was a qualified rifle sharpshooter. Code Talker Curley received various medals and was also awarded a Purple Heart medal.

Code Talker Curley received an honorable discharge in January of 1946. He returned to Arizona after the war to work for the Navajo Army Depot for 45 years.

His service to the community was his faithful commitment of time and resources to the Flagstaff Mission.“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Code Talker Curley. His efforts to defend this country and his people make me proud. My prayers, and the prayers of the First Lady, the Vice President and the Navajo Nation are with the family,”

said President Shelly.

Code Talker Curley is survived by his wife, Ardith Chase Curley of Flagstaff; daughters, Lena Wilson, Mary Jane Curley, Etta Curley, Helen Curley; sons, Reuben Curley, Jr., Luby Curley, George Curley; sisters, Girdie Hyjoe and Rosie Keams; 40 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Bruce Curley; sisters, Ora Curley, Vina Curley, Polly Curley; and brothers, Harris Curley, Tony Curley and Phillip Curley.

Funeral service will be held August 11 at the Greenlaw Baptist Church in Flagstaff, 3400 East Lockett Road, Flagstaff at 10:00 am. Burial will follow services at the Citizens Cemetery in Flagstaff, Veterans Section, 1300 South San Francisco Street.

posted August 11, 2012 7:10 am edt