In this very random world we live, we were so very blessed to be able to call this amazing individual Dad! Born during the depression March 12, 1927, an 8th grade education, lived in an orphanage type "work camp" after loosing his mother to a sudden illness during childhood, hitchhiking his way to interviews, he began his career in the shipping industry at 17 and climbed the proverbial ladder to the top. He was a Captain for Lykes Brothers shipping company before joining the elite Sabine Pilots group in Groves, TX, residing with his family nearby. He was 89 when he passed away on June 1, 2016 and will be missed by all! He is preceded in death by his parents Robert & Florence Kurtz (Belke); brothers Richard Kurtz of Cleveland, OH; Gene Kurtz of Cleveland, OH and Sister-in Law Helena Kurtz of Cleveland, OH Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Lydia Ruiz Kurtz, daughter, Karen Kurtz Escobedo and her husband Joe (Mano) Escobedo; two brothers, Lou Kurtz of Cleveland, OH and Earle Kurtz of Grand Haven, MI; Sister-in Law, Shirley Kurtz of Cambridge, OH; three grandchildren, Raina, Reya, and Rafa Escobedo. Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM, Monday June 6, 2016 at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday evening from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the funeral home.