John Rainey CECIL

CECIL, REYNOLDS, BENSCOTER, RUSK

Posted By: Sharon R. Becker (email)
Date: 11/19/2008 at 17:46:34

The Mount Ayr Record-News, 1928

OBITUARY - JOHN RAINEY CECIL

John Rainey CECIL, son of Kinsey and Sarah CECIL, was born in Aledo, Ill., October 27, 1863, and died at his home in north Mount Ayr, Iowa, Monday, May 7, 1928, aged 64 years, six months and 10 days. When he was 17 years of age he came with his parents to Union county, Iowa, where he resided for a number of years and then moved to Kellerton, Ringgold county, where he made his home until seven years ago, when he moved to Mount Ayr.

On May 24, 1892, he was united in marriage with Jennie L. REYNOLDS, who passed away June 16, 1895. He was later united in marriage with Ollie BENSCOTER and to this union was born one daughter, Opal, Mrs. Earl RUSK of Mount Ayr, who survives him. The wife and mother died on December 4, 1903, and upon Mr. CECIL fell the responsibility of maintaining the home and rearing and educating the daughter, and the loving devotion to the home and the fidelity with which he measured up to his responsibilities is admired by all the people of the Kellerton and Mount Ayr communities in which his life was spent. He is also survived by his little grandson and namesake, John William RUSK, who was his constant companion in the home.

Death came suddenly and unexpectedly. He was enjoying his usual good health the day before his death. Monday morning he was not feeling well, but his usual happy disposition caused him to look lightly upon his ailment; but soon after the noon hour his condition became such as to be alarming. A physician was called and the alement was diagonsed as angina pectoris and despite efforts to restore him life passed out within a few minutes.

Mr. CECIL was a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Modern Woodman Lodge. He reveredthe principles of the orders with which he was identified and in his daily life exemplified the teachings of the orders. He was a loving and devoted father, a kind neighbor and good citizen; honest and faithful in the discharge of every duty, and at his death the community mourns.

The funeral service was held yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon at 2:30 at the Christian church in Kellerton, being conducted by Rev. W. Harold SMITH, pastor of the Mount Ayr Church of Christ, and the body was laid to rest in the Kellerton (Maple Row) cemtery. The ritualistic service of the Masonic order, in charge of the Kellerton Lodge of Masons, was conducted at the grave. The large attendance at the funeral testified to the high regard in which the departed brother was held in the community.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, 2008