Dwight R. McCurdy

Dwight Richmond McCurdy, age 88, of Marion, Illinois, passed away peacefully on the morning of January 2, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Dwight was born on September 17, 1937, in Wheeling, West Virginia, to Dwight and Bernice McCurdy. He pursued higher education with great dedication, attending Purdue University, Anderson College, and The Ohio State University, where he earned his PhD in Natural Resource Economics in 1965.

On August 17, 1958, he married the love of his life, Betty Florene Johnson, beginning a marriage that spanned more than six decades. Together they raised four children: Stanley, Andrea, Joseph, and Eric.

Dwight devoted his professional career to education and conservation, serving as a forestry professor at Southern Illinois University from 1965 until his retirement in 1997. His work and mentorship left a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dwight and Bernice McCurdy; his twin brother, Robert McCurdy; and his daughter, Andrea McCurdy.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty McCurdy; his three sons and daughters-in-law, Stan and Beth McCurdy of St. Louis, Joe and Sara McCurdy of Marion, and Eric McCurdy of St. Louis; six grandchildren, Jeffrey (Tayler) McCurdy, Cameron (Maci) McCurdy, Sarah (Kevin) Howser, Macy (Gabe) Henson, and Taylor and River of Marion; and ten great-grandchildren.

Dwight enjoyed farming, along with spending time outdoors hiking and fishing, and had a deep love for travel. His favorite place to visit was Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, where he found peace and joy in nature. He was a faithful member of Marion First Church of God, attending from 1965 to the present.

Binkley-Ross Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at First Church of God located at 1409 Broeking Road in Marion. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Roy Pepmiller officiating. 

Please visit www.binkleyross.com to leave condolences online.