Curtis Joseph Hidalgo

Curtis Joseph “C.J.” Hidalgo, age 92 of Watson, passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at his home with his loving wife at his side.

Curtis was born on July 1, 1932 in Lakeland, Louisiana, son of the late Raymond and Eve (Philippe) Hidalgo. A Marine Corps combat veteran having served with the First Marine Division during the  Korean War including the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir with the U.S. X Corps and becoming one of the “Chosin Few” that survived. He married the former Beverly Jean Webb on March 2, 1956. After his discharge from the Marine Corps, Curtis opened “Curt’s Drive-In” in the Baker area. He later worked as a self-employed contractor in spray foam insulation and metal buildings fabrication. After retirement, he spent many days at flea markets, avidly collecting different memorabilia, and spending time in his woodworking shop. He loved visiting the Smoky Mountains and combing the beaches with his metal detector.

Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Beverly “Jean” Hidalgo and his four children: Debra (Justin) Goins, Janice (Jesse “Bo”) Meades, Deanna (Thad) Lentz, Kevin (Laurie) Hidalgo; Grandchildren: Mitchell (Shannon) Allen, James Peavy, Amanda Peavy, Bryan (Jennifer) Allen, Christopher (Casey) Lentz, Lexi Lentz (fiancée Adam Lapeyrouse), Kyle Hidalgo, and Morgan Hidalgo; Great-grandchildren: Christian Allen, Caiden Allen, Sierra Gordon, Zaven Gordon, Ja’Lynn Peavy, River Peavy, Remy Allen, and Ellie Lentz. Sisters, Ruby Rayburn, Gloria Genusa, Deloris Conlee; and his brothers, Frank A. Hidalgo (Kathy) and Billy R. Hidalgo (Debbie).

The oldest of ten children, he is preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Eve (Philippe) Hidalgo, his brothers Raymond “R.J.” Hidalgo and Joseph “J.P.” Hidalgo, along with his sisters Mary Jane Volz (Robert) and Mary Lee Miletello (Tadon).

Visitation will be held at Seale Funeral Home, Denham Springs, Friday, January 3, from 10 a.m. until service at 2 p.m. Burial will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, Baton Rouge. Services will be conducted by the Reverend Louis Harrell. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.sealefuneral.com . Pallbearers will be his grandsons Mitchell Allen, Bryan Allen, Christopher Lentz, Kyle Hidalgo, Christian Allen, and Caiden Allen. Honorary Pallbearer is James Peavy.

The family would like to thank the team with Gentiva Hospice Care for all the compassionate care given to Curtis in his final days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in C.J.’s name to the Samaritan’s Purse or Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home in Monroe, LA.