Earl was born on Nixon Ridge, Marshall County, WV on June 11, 1932, but later moved with his parents to a farm on Taylors Ridge where he grew up and attended primary school for eight years at the Taylors Ridge School, a one room school house. Following elementary school he attended Moundsville High School from which he graduated in 1950. He then worked one year at the Triangle and Cable Company in Glendale, WV before enlisting in the United States Air Force where he spent the next four years. Following his stint in the Air Force, he enrolled in Potomac State College, Keyser, WV where he graduated with an Associate of Arts Degree in 1958. He subsequently attended West Virginia University where he received BA and MS degrees in Business Administration in 1964. While working on his Masters Degree, he met his wife–to-be, the former Jean Sausen. Following completion of his Masters Degree, he moved to Bloomington, IN with his new wife. He enrolled in a PhD program at the University of Indiana where he received his Doctorate degree in Business Management in 1967. He then accepted a position in the Business School at the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO. There he taught classes, did research in Business Management, and developed the Executive Development Program where he served as director for several years. He retired from the university in 1995.
His wife, Jean, of 57 years survives him as does two sons, Mark Cecil of Columbia, MO and Scott Cecil of West Plains, MO. Both sons were born in Columbia, MO. Earl and Jean have four grandchildren, Matthew and Michael Cecil of Columbia, MO and Taylor and Emily Cecil of West Plains, MO. One brother, Blaine Cecil of Rockbridge Baths, VA, also survives him.
Earl always had a smile at the ready, and he was admired and loved by all who knew him. His many friends and family will miss him.
Due to the current pandemic, there will be no service. A Celebration of Life will be arranged at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of one’s choice.
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