Jerry Wayne Cecil

A lifelong resident of Evansville, Jerry was born on Oct 18, 1934 to Hugh and Valada Cecil, and graduated from Central High School in 1952. After high school he accepted a marching band scholarship to the University of Evansville, where was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, and graduated with a degree in Accounting. Following his graduation from U of E, Jerry joined the US Army.

After returning home from his military service, Jerry joined Citizens National Bank, where he had long and successful career of nearly 40 years. He retired as Senior Vice President – Chief Credit Officer, and continued consulting for Citizens after his retirement.

Jerry met the former Verneida Dennis, and they were married on April 30, 1960 at St. Paul’s Lutheran church in Evansville. And as Jerry would say, that was when he became a “Lutheran convert.” A devoted and compassionate family man, Jerry cared deeply for Verneida and their three children.

He immensely enjoyed their family vacations, especially their annual summer trips to New Smyrna Beach, FL. After his retirement, Jerry and Verneida travelled extensively together for nearly 20 years, visiting dozens and dozens of countries throughout the world. He remained an avid sports fan his entire life, and was a U of E Basketball season ticket holder for over 30 years.

He was thrilled when grandchildren came into his life, and adored all five of them. He made every effort get to know them well, support them in their endeavors, and make sure he had their favorite junk food available when they came to visit. He was also blessed with a great-granddaughter in 2023, something that was surely on his bucket list. Jerry was quick to listen, quick to praise, and slow to anger.

He is survived by his wife, Verneida; his children, Dennis (Angela) Cecil, Jayne Ann (John) Helsley, and Kevin (Kim) Cecil; his five grandchildren, Jonah Cecil, Claire Cecil, Samantha (Noah) Boswell, Cassidy Helsley, and Jackson Helsley; and his great-granddaughter, Parker Boswell. Also surviving are his sister Faye (Bill) Wortman, sister-in-law Helen Biesenthal, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Jean Lyon, sister, Maye Cecil, and his great-granddaughter Karsyn Boswell.

Visitation will be held Monday February 10, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Alexander East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Avenue, with the funeral service being held at 10:00 am Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 100 E. Michigan Street.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Evansville Lutheran School, and The Hilltopper Athletic Foundation.

Condolences may be offered online at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.