John Robert Cecil

John Robert Cecil, or simply known as Bob by most, was born on February 4th 1933 to Dr. John Goolsby Cecil and Marie Evelyn Jordan Cecil in Chicago, Illinois.  Bob died, after a long battle with gastroparesis and other health complications at 1:44 am on August 16th 2012 at his home, surrounded by the love of his family.  Bob was preceded in death by his mother and father, John Goolsby Cecil and Marie Evelyn Jordan Cecil, and was also preceded in death by his oldest son, Michael Anthony Cecil on February 5th 2010.

Bob Cecil wore many hats in his life.  He was a devoted and loving husband and father.  He was a loyal and true friend to many, a patient and kind educator and teacher to others as well as a conscientious and reflective Christian.  It’s also notable that he was a lover of music, and a very talented and gifted pianist, and vocalist and spent many years singing in his church choir (Cornerstone United Methodist Church of Garland), as well as singing as a member of the Plano, Texas Barber Shop "Men of Note".   

Bob is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Ellen Cecilia Wernegreen Cecil and his three sons, Paul Kevin Cecil (Licenia) of Erie, Colorado, Robert Lee Cecil (Emily) of Berrien Springs, Michigan and John Brian Cecil of Garland, Texas.  He is also survived by his daughter Jennifer Marie Cecil of Garland, Texas; his two grandchildren Robert Benjamin Cecil and Raquel Leanna Cecil of Berrien Springs, Michigan; his sister Jonnie Cecil Irwin of Albuquerque, New Mexico, his sister Christine Cecil Banks of Malad, Idaho; his cousin Gary Jordan (Connie) of New London, Missouri and a host of other beloved In-Laws and other family members.

Bob Cecil graduated from high school in June of 1951 from Everett High School, in Everett, Washington.  He was a member of the Tennis Club, the Rifle Club, the Skiing Club and had many fond memories of his days with the Evergreen Hi Fi social club.  He mentioned The Gull’s Nest as a particular high school hangout where he spent time in his formative years.  

After high school he went to the Southern Methodist University in Dallas Texas, and earned a double bachelor's degree in Chemistry and Psychology.  After his collegiate successes he went on to teach in public high schools for decades as well as teaching medical assisting for five years.

Over the past 20 years Bob was also a loving grandfather figure to many foster children, and daycare children whom he and his wife doted on and cared for as if they were their own in their home in Garland, Texas.  So often he could be seen holding, rocking or playing with these little ones.  He will be remembered as a loving, sweet-natured, giving man who was tireless with his patience.  He was joyful about his life with his family and friends.  He will be remembered as a cheerful conversationalist... who always had time for a smile, with a spark in his eye and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate his life at Cornerstone United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 25th at 11:00 am with a potluck lunch to follow.  In Lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in his honor to his church:

Cornerstone United Methodist Church
7502 North Garland Avenue
Garland, TX 75013
(972) 414-6460
http://www.cornerstone-umc.org/