Cecil Edward Penland, 92, of Crocker, was born January 4, 1930, at Crocker, a son of Franklin Alvah and Alta Elizabeth (Caldwell) Penland and departed this life on Tuesday morning, June 21, 2022 at The Bluffs nursing home, Columbia, Mo.

Cecil was united in marriage on October 11, 1953 at Dixon, Missouri to Ms. Audrey Marie Layman.  They were one day short of completing 68 years of marriage.  To this union, three children were born.  He was preceded in death by his wife on October 10, 2021, his father, Alvah on April 27, 1951; his mother, Alta on January 8, 1967 and his siblings, Geraldine Penland, at age 2 ½ (1925), Gene Penland (1966), Ruth George (1982), George Penland (1991), Don Penland (1992), Leamon Penland (1999), Ewell Penland (2002), Will Penland (2002), Telia Huning (2012), and Velma Penland (2017).

Cecil grew up and attended school in Crocker.  On January 24, 1947, Cecil entered into the United States Navy, serving as a pipe fitter apprentice.  He was awarded and entitled to wear the China Service Medal, Navy Occupation Medal, Korean Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.  At the time of his honorable discharge on December 24, 1951, he had attained the rank of Pipe Fitter Petty Officer 2 ^nd Class.

Following his time in the Navy, Cecil went to work at Ft. Leonard Wood as a plumber and was promoted to supervisor the last 15 years of his career, retiring on January 4, 1985.  He was President of the Crocker Cemetery Association, volunteered at the Crocker Senior Center, and was a member of the VFW Post #4956, Crocker; the American Legion Post #195, Crocker; Independent Order of Oddfellows and the Waynesville Masonic Lodge #375.  He was also a member of the Crocker City Council for several years.  Cecil found great satisfaction helping friends and family with their projects and tasks.

Cecil was baptized on May 13, 1962 and was a faithful member of the Crocker Christian Church for almost 60 years.

Those left to mourn the passing of Cecil include: his children, Sherry Porter and her companion, Eric Schwandt, Crocker; Randy Penland and his wife, Donna, Lee's Summit and Larry Penland, Cocoa Beach, Florida; six grandchildren, Shannon Porter and husband, Dave Hesford, Tim Penland and wife, Lauren, Andy Penland and wife, Hannah, Sophie Penland, Zach Penland and Amanda Penland; five great- grandchildren, Makayla, Megan, Sam, Luke and Violet; his sisters, Nora Marshall and Yvonne Chesley, and many other friends and relatives.

Visitation will be at 10 a.m. and the funeral service at 11 a.m., Friday, June 24, 2022 in the Crocker Christian Church with Larry Richardson officiating.

Interment with full military honors will be in the Crocker Cemetery under the direction of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Crocker. Pallbearers for Cecil are Rick Crawford, Aaron George, Richard George, Gary Mitchell, Eric Schwandt, and Burt Whittle. Honorary pallbearers are Kris York and Jimmy Wells.

Memorials are suggested by the family to the Crocker Christian Church with envelopes available at the church or the office of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Crocker.