Curtis Minoru Akana

Curtis Minoru Akana, “Curt”, passed away peacefully in the early morning of March 7, 2026 at the age of 94 in Sierra Vista, Arizona. Though a resident of Arizona for the last 56 years, Curt was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on March 7, 1932 to William Akana and Beatrice Ishida Akana. Despite having watched the bombing of Hawaii at the age of 9 and enduring the challenges of growing up there during WWII, Curt had a lifelong love of Hawaii and all things Hawaiian. When he did leave his home after enlisting in the Army in 1950, he saw action in the Korean War for which he later received a Purple Heart. His military career involved various assignments across the US as well as in Italy and Germany, before being stationed at Fort Huachuca in 1970.  He retired from the Army in 1973 and went on to retire from a second career in Civil Service in 1993.

Curt is survived by his loving wife of 14 years, Lea West; and by his beloved children:  daughters Karen Otero (Ernie), Kathie Mills (John), and Kismet Culpepper (Steve); and son, Kevin “Colt” Akana.  Curt was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Kenneth and sister Aimee, his grandchild Michelle Otero, and his first wife of 50 years, Naomi Kawai, who passed away in 2003, and with whom he raised their four children. 

Family was the bedrock of Curt’s life, and his position as father, grandfather, great grandfather, & great-great grandchildren was the highest, proudest achievement of his life.  His deep, abiding love for his large family is returned fully and respectfully by them all.  Surviving grandchildren are Sarah Otero, Ernesto Otero, Suzanna Otero Young,  Keren “Meri” Otero Fruth, Michael Mills, Sarah Mills, Naomi Mills; Vanessa Culpepper, Sean Culpepper.  His great grand children are Daniel, Alejandro, Isaiah, Joshua, MacKenzie, Gabriella, Skylar, Zoe, Riley, Nicolaus, Lane, and Lilliana.  He had 9 great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces & nephews who remember him lovingly.

A naturally gifted athlete, Curt enjoyed baseball, basketball, bowling, skiing, and golf at different stages in his life. He was an avid camper, fisherman, and beach lover, sharing those activities with the many children in his life whenever possible. He was a special friend to so many, and will be truly, deeply missed. His legacy is that of love, generosity, and a quiet devotion so great that his influence will continue throughout future generations of his family. Rest in peace, our dearest Curt. 

 Funeral services will follow at 12 p.m. at Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1300 Buffalo Soldier Trail.  Pastor Kevin Martin will officiate

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