Paul Frederick Cecil

Paul was born in Hutchinson, Kansas, in 1934 to Clarence (deceased) and Margaret Cecil. After his parents’ divorce his mother married William (Bill) Starr (deceased). In 1952 Paul graduated from high school and went on to attend the University of Kansas for two years before making the decision to apply to the Air Force in 1954 to become a pilot. Paul was part of Flying Class 55Q, graduating in June 1955. While attending pilot training in Phoenix, Arizona, he met Barbara Gillespie, a Pennsylvania native, and was married in 1955. During a 21-year stint in the US Air Force, Paul was stationed in 16 locations, including four assignments in Texas. Paul held numerous positions including T-33 instructor, Aircraft Maintenance Officer on the B-25 and T-33, Flight Test Officer on the T-33, and Maintenance Squadron Commander. He has flown numerous aircraft including the B-47, C-124, C-123, and C-130. His last assignment was as Division Chief, Aircraft Maintenance, Office of the Inspector General, Air Training Command. From 1966 to 1967 he did a tour in Vietnam with the 19th Air Commando Squadron, the Ranch Hand unit, flying the C-123 and UC-123. The Squadron flew the Agent Orange missions along with transporting men and material to forward bases. He retired in 1974 as a Lieutenant Colonel and Command Pilot with 26 awards and decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and 8 Air Medals. His flying experiences included over 1,000 hours as a flight test pilot and 1,068 combat missions during his tour in Vietnam.

After leaving the Air Force Paul resumed his interrupted college studies to attend the former Southwest Texas State College (now Texas State University) at San Marcos and Texas A&M University to earn three degrees, including a Doctorate in History in 1983. He has continued to stay active in the Texas A&M alumni association since his graduation, and was active with the Capital City A&M Club and the Williamson County A&M Club. He also worked for four years for the Texas State Historical Association and was an associate editor of the 7-volume Handbook of Texas. He is the author of the book Herbicidal Warfare, the Ranch Hand Project in Vietnam, numerous articles on herbicidal warfare, and numerous articles on the practice of military law between 1776 and 1920. In his spare time Paul officiated baseball (44 seasons) and football (18 years) at all levels from Little League thru semi-pro and college, including the former Southwest Conference.

While attending college, Paul started teaching American History classes at Southwest Texas State College and Texas A&M University. He went on to become a Professor of History at Austin Community College from 1986 to 1999. Following his second retirement (from teaching) he continued to stay busy as a professional editor and historical researcher and writer in international journals. He also served as historian and archivist for the RANCH HAND Vietnam Association of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and is a member of a number of civic and alumni organizations.

In 1999, Paul and Barbara bought a diesel truck and a 36-foot fifth-wheel Jayco trailer and became full-time RVers for the next four years, traveling throughout the country “seeing all the things I had taught about!” “Driving a rig that was 52 feet long gave me an appreciation of what 18-wheel drivers’ face on the road” and “When it got hot we moved north and when it got cold we went south” was how he described their travels, adding that he thought they managed to “donate” money to every Indian Casino in the country.

When they gave up the gypsy life and returned to Round Rock, Paul attended the Round Rock Citizen Police Academy (CPA) Class 15 and has served as an active Police Volunteer since graduation. In 2007, Paul received the President’s Volunteer Service Award having completed over 4,000 hours of volunteer service. He has received numerous awards as a volunteer with the Round Rock CPA Alumni.

Paul is survived by his mother Margaret Starr and his two sisters Joan Brown and Gloria Chadwick of Hutchinson, Kansas. His wife Barbara, and their 4 children: Paul Jr. of DeSoto, Texas; Kimberlee Sutter of Peoria, Arizona; Deborah Russell of Fairborn, Ohio; and Scott Cecil of Hutto, Texas. He also is survived by 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers that you make a donation to your favorite charity in memory of Paul.

Viewing will be held on Tuesday, 29 May, from 6 PM to 8 PM at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home (14501 Interstate 35, Pflugerville). Burial Services will be held on Wednesday, 30 May, at 1 PM at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home.