Longtime West Carrollton school custodian ‘never missed an opportunity to make someone’s day’

The school district closed the school “with very short notice” because of when Mullins’ death occurred, Corbett said. Notification was sent via the district’s Facebook page, website and One Call system.

Mullins, with his long hair and colorful clothes, was well known by students, Corbett said. A West Carrollton High School graduate, he started as a substitute custodian in 2002 and was hired on a permanent basis in 2003, she said.

Mullins “dressed crazy every day,” often searching clothing stores and the internet for the most colorful and patterned pants he could find, along with themed T-shirts, Corbett said.

“He dressed for every occasion,” she said. “He greeted parents and families dressed as a leprechaun at St. Patrick’s Day. That was just Curt. He would find the craziest golf pants and T-shirt he could find. He was easily recognizable but also a very shy guy, but not with the kids. He loved the kids and they all knew him.”

Harold Schnell Elementary School Principal Becky Yerman said Mullins was not only the school custodian, but “a consistent and positive presence in the hallways and cafeteria for kids.”

“He touched the lives of many, and this is a great loss to Harold Schnell and West Carrollton,” Yerman said.

The school has a crisis intervention team made up of professionals trained to help with the needs of students, parents and school personnel at difficult times such as this and will have counselors available today for any student who needs support surrounding this loss.

Parents and former Harold Schnell students expressed shock and grief on the district’s Facebook page, with many praising Mullins for being a hard worker, strong role model and pillar of the community. Others said he cared about every child, as evidenced by him attending graduations and catching up with students he had met many years before.

“He was often mentioned by my kids on a daily basis and never missed an opportunity to make someone’s day,” Cecilia Wolfe said about Mullins. “He will be greatly missed.”

Dianthe Fleming said Mullins “always had a smile on his face” and brightened the day of anyone lucky enough to cross his path.

“All of the kids just loved him so much,” Fleming said. “I hope his family is able to take some comfort in knowing how much he meant to everyone around him.”

Mullins’ death was the second by a West Carrollton staffer in the past eight days. On Aug. 25, longtime West Carrollton High School language arts teacher Pamela Jacobs died due to injuries she sustained in an Aug. 21 car crash.