Ricky Dane Curtis, 71, was born Aug. 23, 1953 to Jerome Curtis and Natalie Baker and passed away Feb. 18, 2025. 
Rick served in the United States Navy for 20 years and retired in 1997. After retiring from the Navy, he worked in the IT department at EarthLink and later bought a barbershop in Whitney, where he worked for many years. 
He met the love of his life, Emma, while he was stationed in Millington, Tenn. They later married in 1981 and together raised four children. 

Courtesy Photo/Joyce Lawless
Spread the Love Jelly and Jams is a Mabank farm stand that offers unique jams and jelly’s, breads and fresh eggs for sale. 

COURTESY PHOTO/JESSICA BRADLEY
Lamn Ducky Farms is a roadside farm stand in the Tool area with eggs and bread for sale. 

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
Mabank Lady Panthers players and coaches celebrate the Regional Championship Feb. 21 at Mesquite Horn High School after beating Kennedale, 54-51, to advance to the State Semifinals Feb. 25 against Decatur at Mansfield Timberview High School (and Mabank’s first State Semifinal berth since the 1986-87 season), played after The Monitor’s press deadline for this issue. 

GUN BARREL CITY—Gun Barrel City Police Department responded to 346 Flagship Lane at approximately 4:08 p.m. Feb. 23 in response to a shooting. 
According to a press release, officers located Mackenzie Wisdom, 22 of Gun Barrel City with a gunshot wound. Wisdom was transported to UT Health Cedar Creek Lake where she succumbed to her injuries.