Curtis Thom

There are people who can walk into a room and light it up without even trying. Curtis Martin Thom was one of those people. He was sharp and successful—yes—but more than anything, he was fun. The kind of fun that pulls people in. The kind that’s infectious, uncontainable, unforgettable. His one-of-a-kind life ended unexpectedly on May 18, 2025, when he passed at the age of 55.

Born on July 27, 1969, in Charleston, IL, Curtis spent his early years in Robinson, where his brilliance was already on display. He was an excellent student and an all-around good kid—respectful, responsible, the kind of boy teachers remembered for all the right reasons. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout, a testament to his dedication and sense of purpose even as a young man. But Curtis wasn’t just disciplined—he was dynamic, too, with a natural stage presence that shone when he played the title role in Lincoln Trail College’s spring musical production of Oliver! He graduated from Robinson High School, where he developed a lifelong passion for tennis—a game he not only played but followed with enthusiasm, attending Grand Slam events around the world.

Curtis went on to earn his Accounting degree from the University of Illinois, passing the CPA exam immediately after graduation. He began his career with Price Waterhouse, followed by a position at Pitney Bowes. But his ambitions didn’t stop there. Curtis earned his MBA from the University of Chicago and stepped into the fast-paced world of investment banking. Over the years, Curtis worked with firms across the country—Everen Investment Firm in Chicago, Adams Hartness Hill in Boston, and Sanders Morris Harris in Houston, which eventually relocated him to San Francisco. He later moved to Dana Point, CA, where he joined Roth Capital Partners.

Through all the ups and downs, Curtis lived big. He traveled throughout Europe. Made lifelong friends on every coast. Poured himself into the work he loved. And most of all, he adored being a dad. His proudest role wasn’t in a boardroom or on a business card—it was being Grayson’s dad. That was the role that brought out the deepest part of his heart.

Curtis was fun-loving and magnetic. He had a gift for friendship and a generosity of spirit that made you feel like you belonged. Whether it was cheering at his cousins’ games, sharing laughs over lunch, or lighting up a room with his signature grin—Curtis made an impression that lasted. That’s what will stay with us—his joy, his presence, and the way he made the world feel a little brighter.

He is survived by his beloved son, Grayson Thom; his mother & step-father, Gloria & Bill Maxedon; his father & step-mother, Greg & Ruth Thom; his aunts & uncles, Mary Jane & Mike Parker and Brenda & Larry Long; and his cousins, Wesley & wife Jennifer Parker (along with their children, Ely, Julian, and Lenox) and Matthew & wife Jonie Parker (and their children, Gunnar and Jade).

A graveside service at the Robinson New Cemetery will be scheduled soon. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of arrangements.