“The Mighty” Joe Curl, husband, father, grandpa, friend and the winningest coach in University of Houston’s women’s basketball program history, has died. As amazing as his life has been, his finest hour, friends say, came with the courage and dignity that characterized his life after his heart attack in 2007 and subsequent fight with heart disease.

Joe was born on December 1, 1954 in Sioux City, Iowa to parents Edna Mae Ray and Floyd Curl. Curl earned a bachelor's degree from Wayne State in 1978 and a master's degree from the University of Central Oklahoma. An accomplished athlete in his own right, Curl lettered nine times in varsity high school sports, holds three records in track and was second in scoring and rebounding in the history of South Sioux City High School in his hometown of South Sioux City, Nebraska.

Before joining the staff at University of Houston, Joe enjoyed a distinguished career at Blinn and Stephen F. Austin where he lead the women's team to the Southland Conference title and a bid in the NCAA tournament while picking up Southland Conference Coach of the Year honors along the way. Prior to SFA, Joe was at Trinity Valley Community College in Athens, Texas, for three seasons. There he led the team to the Texas Eastern Conference Championship. At Trinity Valley CC, he coached five junior college All-Americans, 10 All-Region XIV players and 14 All-Conference selections. The Lady Cardinals were ranked No. 1 in the nation during the 1992-93 season, and Curl was twice named Conference Coach of the Year.

Joe Curl’s accomplishments and highlights are many. He was named National Coach of the Year by the Associated Press, Basketball Times, USBWA, ESPN.com and C-USA.
Lives were changed because of Joe Curl, those he coached and lifted to greatness, and those whose life he touched and influenced quietly with no one watching. In addition to the improved level of academic responsibility by his athletes during his tenure years at Houston, community service by his players also became a major priority. Joe and his famous “ bar-b- que” team and cooker gave back to this community seven fold as he fed thousands of folks at charity events. Joe loved greatly and was greatly loved.

He is survived by wife, Lesa, and daughters, Angela Curl-Okafor and her husband Patrick and Jennifer Curl. He is also survived by three grandchildren who Joe adored, Maverick and Peyton Okafor and Caleb Joseph Curl. and sister, Mary Lou Gengler. Left to mourn Joe's passing will be family and friends too many to name.

Friends of Joe and Lesa invite you to a memorial service “ Joe Curl Style” at Rosewood Funeral Home 3939 Pasadena Blvd. at Beltway 8 on Thursday evening April 17, 2014 from 5-8 PM. Joe’s pit will be keeping it warm for you starting at noon on Thursday. Friends will gather at 7 PM in the chapel at Rosewood for a time of remembering.

In lieu of usual remembrances, donations to the SPCA of Houston, because Joe never met an animal he didn’t want to adopt or the charity of your choice.

Please share words of comfort with the family at www.Rosewood.cc under “ current services”.