Known for his strong work ethic, his drive to succeed, and his zest for life, L. Curtis Wilcher was a great guy to know and love. His determination and savvy business sense enabled him to build a successful business in an industry that is challenging to say the least. Curt was generous, yet he was modest, too, and with an outstretched hand he quietly helped those around him who were in need. It was not uncommon to see Curt with a fi shing rod in his hand,

and his skill was recognized among fellow bass fi sherman both near and far. He leaves behind lessons in honesty, humility, and integrity that provide us with much to aspire for.

As the thirties dawned in America people braced themselves for the worst since the stock market crash in October of 1929 left us spiraling into the Great Depression. These times of great hardship affected every industry from coast to coast and in 1930, we hadn’t even seen the worst of it yet. Life went on, however, and people did whatever they could to make the best of it. There was much to celebrate in one family from Hustonville, Kentucky, since it was on October 19, 1930, that they welcomed a healthy baby boy into their

hearts and home. L. Curtis was greeted by his loving parents, Earl B. and Bonnie Hazel (King) Wilcher, and was the oldest of three children in his family including his brother, Elwood, and his sister, Sally. When Curt was fi ve years old he and his family moved from Hustonville, located in the central region of the state, to northern Indiana where they settled in Morgan County. He attended local schools and developed an interest in automobiles from an early age.

By the time he was in high school, Curt regularly bought a used car, fi xed it up both mechanically and aesthetically, and sold it to earn a nice profi t. In fact, his profi t margin was great enough that he began to question whether fi nishing high school was even a necessity. The school principal insisted that he fi nish school, however, so Curt did see his education through to the end.

Life was forever changed for Curt when he met the young girl with whom he would share the best years of his life. Her name was Rosemary VanHoy and they met in school. After falling in love, Curt married his high school sweetheart on February 4, 1950, and interestingly, Curt’s brother also married a VanHoy girl - Rosemary’s sister, Nancy. Together Curt and Rosemary were blessed with two daughters, Kate and Pam.

With his deep love for cars it isn’t surprising that Curt built his career in the automobile industry. Early on he was partners with Strickland Motors out of

Indianapolis and Spangle Ford in Mooresville. After spending a couple of years in Florida, Curt came back to Mooresville and was able to begin Wilcher Ford in 1961. This was a great time to be dealing in Fords since this was about the time that the Mustang was becoming every man’s dream. Curt was a great salesman and enjoyed the challenge owning a dealership presented. He remained the owner and operator of Wilcher Ford until 2000.

At a time when most people are thinking about retirement, Curt’s spirit of ambition led him to build the new Ford store, tripling his inventory. He was 65 at the time and continued to operate Wilcher Automotive throughout the rest of his life.

A longtime resident of Mooresville, Curt was known not only for his successful business, but also for his community involvement. He served as president of the Mooresville Chamber of Congress for a time and also served on the former Morgan County Bank Board. Additionally, he was a member of the Mooresville Masonic Lodge #78 for 50 years.

Work was certainly a large aspect of Curt’s life, but he understood the importance of having

some time off as well. He and his wife loved spending time in Florida and traveling in general whenever time allowed. Curt also loved being anywhere that he could fi sh for bass. He even fi shed competitively in several tournaments through the years and was well known within the elite bass fi shing

circle. Carl also enjoyed his garden and harvested a plentiful yield of vegetables every

year. Of course cars were always his passion with convertibles and Lincoln Town Cars

being among his favorites.

L. Curtis Wilcher was a kindhearted and generous man who was always on the go,

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even well into the sunset of his life. He could weave a story like no other and was fi lled with great wisdom. A no frills sort of man, Curt deeply loved his family and generously gave to those around him. The memories he leaves behind will be forever held near and dear to the hearts of those who treasured him.

L. Curtis Wilcher died on March 12, 2011, in St. Francis Hospital, Mooresville. Curt’s family includes his daughter, Pam Williams (Tim) of Mooresville; brother, Elwood Wilcher (Nancy) of Mooresville; sister, Sally Sterrett (the late Paul) of Mooresville; grandchildren, Shane Williams (Rebecca) of Mooresville, Bob

Williams (Debbie) of Dayton, Ohio, Belinda Williams of Indianapolis; great-grandchildren, Adam, Shawn, and Brooke Williams. Curt was preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary on November 10, 2010 and by his daughter, Kate Wilcher. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 17, 2011, in the Carlisle & Son Funeral Chapel, Mooresville, with calling there from

4-8 p.m., Wednesday, March 16, 2011. Cremation will follow the service, and inurnment will be in White Lick Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial donation to the Morgan County Humane Society.