A visitation will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 6969 I-40 E. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Memorial Park Funeral Home, with burial to follow, including military honors provided by Volleys for Veterans.
Cecil was born on July 15, 1935, in Jacksonville, Illinois. He proudly served his country for eight years in the United States Air Force. Cecil was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He met his soulmate, Wanda, and they married on June 4, 1953. Their marriage lasted 61 beautiful years before Wanda’s passing.
Cecil was known for keeping everyone on their toes with his wit and unpredictability. He enjoyed watching Fox News, soap operas, or just about anything on TV. Anyone who met him would have surely heard him say his life quote: "If Dr. Pepper was a woman, I'd marry her."
He was a hardworking family man who loved his family dearly, though he had a special fondness for his grandchildren. The family would like to express their gratitude to the care team at the VA and Visiting Angels for their loving care and support during Cecil’s final years.
Cecil is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Wanda, his brothers Otis, Leonard, Leland, and Terry, his sister Sissy, and his son-in-law, Jerry Stapleton.
He is survived by his daughters Sherry Stapleton and Patty Tucker and husband Martin. Also left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren Jerrod Stapleton and wife Kimberly, and Jeremy Stapleton and wife Andrea. Great-grandchildren Porter Stapleton, Aspen Stapleton and Kristian Stapleton, along with many nieces and nephews, will continue to honor his legacy.
