Curtis Adrian Powell was born on November 13, 1969 in Chicago, IL to the union of Curtis and the late Evelyn Powell. He was raised in Park Forest, IL, and was known by his middle name Adrian. He attended Hickory Hill Elementary. In 1981, Curtis moved to Bida, Nigera. In 1983 he returned to his childhood home in Park Forest, and attended Rich East High School where he played basketball and baseball. His paternal grandmother played baseball in a Women's Negro League and his father later played in a Men's Negro League. He grew up with a passion for baseball.
Throughout his childhood years, he played for the Park Forest Baseball League where he made life-long friends and was offered a sense of brotherhood. He would often be found playing baseball in Foster Park in Chicago or Cedar Park in Park Forest or on the tennis court when it would rain. Curtis always carried his wooden Louisville Slugger and practiced his swing, formation, and various pitches whenever he could. Curtis would accompany his Dad on Saturday's and Sunday's for a father-son day at Wrigley Field to watch his favorite baseball team - the Chicago Cubs. He first learned much could be acquired through putting in the work and honing his skills through his passion for baseball.
He carried his love of numbers, mathematical computations and analysis, to Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL where he majored in accounting and finance. He was always a generous and giving person. While attending Western, he tutored and men to red his peers and during his free time, he refereed college basketball games; and played softball and tennis with his WIU buddies. Curtis worked at a restaurant in Macomb, IL, and this is where he found his passion for cooking and the desire to be a chef with his own restaurant In the spring of 1993 he met the love of his life, Traci at a card party held on campus.
They enjoyed their time together while attending Western, and on July 29, 2003, they were united in holy matrimony, and were excited to begin their new lives together. They decided to live, work and raise their family in Evanston, IL. From this union, they raise three sons, Curtis Maxwell, Cameron Miles, and Caleb Mandela. Curtis was a dedicated father who loved and supported his three sons in all their endeavors. Curtis had a huge heart for mentoring and working with the youth in Evanston. He volunteered and coached a number of basketball leagues: FAAM Illinois Future, and the Battle Cats AAU Leagues. He was a great chef and enjoyed cooking and sharing his famous, amazing mostaccioli dinners for his teams, and gatherings with family and friends that he loved to have.
A hard working man with a purpose, he began his career at Enterprise Rent-A-Car. He then worked at AvislBudget Car & Truck Rental on Chicago Ave in Evanston where he became co- owner of the business and worked there for 21 years. He and his business partner Bob Tasemski always pushed each other to a higher level of business. He loved interacting with the public, and was always ready to assist his customers in any way he could. The customers affirmed his customer service ethics were phenomenal. Curtis was preceded in death by his mother Evelyn Powell. He leaves to mourn his adoring wife Traci, his 3 sons Curtis, Cameron, and Caleb; a loving father, Curtis Powell, 1 Sister, Rebecca Powell, a host of relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.
Arrangement entrusted to Thompson Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. Mr. Philip L. Gillette ~ Funeral Director
Due to the pandemic we ask that you wear your mask while attending the service.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Mr. Curtis Powell, please visit our floral store.