Longtime Local Business Owner And Leading Sedalia Citizen, Gerald Cecil Died Monday April 6, 2015

Gerald Cecil had a wonderful life. Born January 29, 1922 in Sedalia, MO the son of Louisa Viola McClure and William Wesley Cecil, his journey in this life ended on April 6, but the impact he had on his family and all who knew him will live on. Gerald contracted polio at an early age and spent several months in an iron lung. He survived the affliction with only his left arm paralyzed and recovered with renewed emphasis for life. He never considered himself disabled or disadvantaged and never allowed his paralyzed left define him. He epitomized an eternal optimist. He was a 1941 graduate of Smith-Cotton High School.

Ever considerate, respectful, patient, tolerant, industrious and loyal, he truly lived his beliefs and led an exemplary life.

His business life provided the presence that people saw — as he started his bicycle business in his teens when he took the train to Louisville KY and from Zeldon Lipski of Louisville Cycle and Supply, obtained a Schwinn bicycle franchise for his fledgling business. From those early days operating from his parents house and garage he continued to grow eventually moving his business to Ohio Street — a location and an area he remained loyal to for years as he continued to grow by building his business to include appliances and electronics.

In late 40s and early 50s, he would delight in turning on the B&W TV in the front window of 704 Ohio and watch as crowds grew to sit and watch grainy black and white images of wrestlers broadcast from those early TV stations far away. In the early days of TV, he even greeted Clint Eastwood — Rowdy Yates, at the store as he was in town to promote his new TV show Rawhide. He truly enjoyed the holidays in his business helping surprise others on Christmas morning by delivering bikes and TVs well into the evening on Christmas Eve.

Of course it was more than business — treating others as he would wish to be treated with tolerance, respect and consideration — regardless of their political, economic, racial, religious or social affiliation. He also believed above all in consideration and respect prompted by his fundamental belief in the goodness of man. He was fond of saying “Here let me show you” At the time we thought it was about the task at hand — and that was likely true — but ironically his comments also revealed how he led his life — as a role model.

In 1947 he married Helen Earleen Rowlette, who survives. His evening drives as they cruised through the country or downtown were noteworthy by all that saw them Oftentimes those trips concluded with dinner at The Old Missouri Homestead. For many years he provided mom a daily rose. They traveled extensively, always up for the next opportunity to go to some place new.

Gerald was very proud of his home town, and the people and associations with whom he worked. He was a co-founder of the Noon Day Optimist Club, Distinguished Past President of Optimist International and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. He also served with the Sedalia Downtown Development Inc., 1st United Methodist Church, where he was also a Sunday school teacher, Sedalia Chamber of Commerce and the Whiteman Air Force Base Community Council. He was also a member of the Sedalia Knife and Fork Club, Masonic Lodge and had been an Assistant Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 54.

He took great pride in working with young people — and was very active with the Optimist Club Oratorical Contest participants taking high school boys to competitions around the area. In the early days of his business— he connected with the young fellows that needed bicycles for their paper routes providing them credit to purchase their bikes — and then watching as they grew to become responsible, contributing members of the community. He always said working with young people kept him young. In fact Young at Heart seems to have been written about him. Gerald did indeed have a wonderful life.

In addition to his wife Helen, he is survived by two sons, Gerald O Cecil II (Gerry) snd wife Roberta of Overland Park, and Gregory A Cecil (Greg) and wife Michelle of Columbia; three dearly loved grandchildren, Katie and husband Andrew Schout of Prairie Village, Jessica and husband Chris Mackey of Kirkwood, and Jennifer Cecil of St Louis. Grandpa and Grandma attended many a soccer and basketball game or cross country meet — and shared trips with them to Branson, train trips and ball games in St Louis, visits to San Diego, even to Mexico.

He is also survived by his 104-year-old sister Nadine; sister-in-law, Gayle Thomas; brother-in-law, Wilbur Mosier; and many nephews and nieces . He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Cleo, Elver, Bill, Roy, Melvin; and a sister, Dorothy.

The family wishes to express a special thanks to the staff of Sylvia G. Thompson Retirement Center and CrossRoads Hospice, and Natasha.

He would say — Anything Can Happen and Probably Will —but be happy, be an optimist, say It Could Never Be Better — Even If It Could, think the best of others, accentuate the positive and remain forever “Young at Heart”

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name can be made to The 1st United Methodist Church or the Gerald O. Cecil Smith Cotton High School Scholarship Fund. Visitation will be the evening of April 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ewing, Schutte, Semler Funeral Home 7th and Osage. Funeral Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church 4th and Osage at 10:30 am April 9 with interment at Memorial Park Cemetery immediately following.
Affiliations

Boy Scouts of America
Chamber of Commerce
Masonic Lodge
Optimist Club
United Methodist Church