Cecil Bertrum Stevenson

Cecil was born September 11, 1932 in Marshalltown, Iowa to Bertrum and Frieda (Cresswell) Stevenson. He married Patricia Priest on June 3, 1962 in Waukegan, IL.

He is survived by his son, Dirk (Beth) Stevenson of Hinesville, GA, sister-in-law Waneta Stevenson of Springfield, MO., a host of loving nieces and nephews, and his dear friends Tammy Angrisani of St. Louis, MO, and Matthew (Adria) Angrisani of Ballwin, MO.

Cecil was preceded in death by his wife Patricia Stevenson and his twin brother Joseph B. Stevenson.

Cecil and brother Joe were smoke jumpers in Missoula, MT, for two summers during their college years. They both enlisted in the United States Army and served in the 11th Airborne as paratrooper medics from 1954-1957.

Cecil graduated from Kahoka, MO, high school in 1950. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Central Methodist University, MO, and a master’s degree from Kirksville State Teachers College, MO, he embarked on rewarding career as a teacher, from 1957 until his retirement in 1993. While at Belleville, IL, school district 118, he was Director of Physical Education and taught at Central Jr. High School. He coached high school baseball and basketball, his teams winning several conference and district championships.

Cecil and his dearly loved wife of 43 years, Patricia, were expert-level bridge players and traveled widely to compete in tournaments. Cecil loved labradors and freshwater fishing. He completed two Chicago marathons and played golf well into his 80’s.

A highlight of Cecil’s life came on his 80th birthday, when he threw out the first pitch at a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game at Busch Stadium. Surrounded by the excitement of the crowd and the love of his friends, the moment became more than a milestone celebration, it became a cherished story he carried with him.

Cecil’s energy, kindness, and love for life touched everyone around him. He will be deeply missed.

Friends are invited to celebrate his life at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home in Belleville, IL, on Tuesday December 9, 2025. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M.- 11:00 A.M. with a Memorial Service immediately following, at 11:00 A.M.

Memorial donations may be made to the Belleville Humane Society.