Dwain E. “Buddy” Curry Jr., 62, of South Lombardy Drive in South Bend, died at 9:43 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009 at Hospice House in South Bend following an extended illness.

Dwain was born May 16, 1947 in Niles to Dwain Edward “Lefty” and Ruth Allyne (Miltenberger) Curry Sr. He graduated from Brandywine High School in Niles, and had lived in South Bend for 43 years. He retired from RACO after 19 years of service. He was also formerly employed at Albert Pick Hotel in South Bend. He was a veteran of the Vietnam Era, having served in the U.S. Navy.

Dwain was a member and past-president of IUE-CWA. He enjoyed annual trips to Las Vegas for 40 years and playing bingo locally.

Ron is survived by his partner of 43 years, Ron DeLater, of South Bend; sisters, June Weston, of Cosmos, Minn., and Peggy Curry, of South Bend; half-brother, David Werntz, of Georgia; nephews, Brian (Kim) Curry, Tony (Amy) Bailey and Ron Bailey; great-nieces and nephews, Hannah, Aaron, Jonathon, Laura, Alex, Peyton, Nick, Madison and Taylor; uncle, Bob (Ann Marie) Miltenberger, of Michigan; stepmother, Betty Curry, of Niles; and countless cousins.

Dwain was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth; father, Dwain; nephew, Steven Bailey; and stepfather, Elmer “Bud” Werntz.

The funeral service for Dwain E. Curry Jr. will be held Friday, Dec. 4, 2009 at 7 p.m. at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles, with the Rev. Eva L. Buthy officiating.

Internment will be held at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the funeral home one hour prior to services.

Contributions may be made to The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care Inc.