Cecil McLard

Cecil was loving husband to Elizabeth “Betty” (nee Young), his wife of nearly 57 years, a devoted father to Amy (Eric Kundert) McLard and Gregory (Jessica) McLard, and adored his role as Grandpa Cecil to Elizabeth, Brenna, Judd, Gavin and Fletcher. He leaves behind a large extended family, including his sisters Alma Smith, Lillie Bagley and Shirley Johnson; sisters- and brothers-in-law Janet McLard, Herb Young, Ruth Parker, Richard (Kathy) Young; cousins, nieces and nephews (including many greats and great-greats). He could light up a room with his amazing laugh and welcoming smile, and was known for his big hugs, jokes and stories.

Cecil was born in Neelys Landing, Mo. to the late William and Nellie McLard. He graduated from Jackson High School in 1957 and served two years in the U.S. Army. After graduation, Cecil moved to St. Louis and joined his older brothers in working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He worked there for 42 years, and his handiwork as a machinist was used in locks and dams all along the Mississippi River and other water ways. He was a skilled woodworker, avid gardener, lifelong cattle farmer, expert apple butter maker and loved driving his tractors, especially his Kubota.

Cecil met Betty when she was college roommates with his sister, Shirley. He wasted no time proposing – but they waited to marry until after her graduation in 1967. Cecil and Betty raised two children, Amy and Gregory, in a home filled with love, learning, high expectations and animated discussions. They took family road trips all across the country, often to visit extended family and their dear friends, the Kohls. A fierce defender and strong supporter of his family, Cecil always told his children there was no limit to what they could accomplish. As the family grew, he was an excellent father-in-law and even better Grandpa Cecil. With his grandkids, he played games, attended their events, and proudly shared their latest accomplishments to all who would listen.

During his more than 50 years as a master Mason, Cecil twice served as Worshipful Master of Herculaneum Lodge 338 and was a current member of Joachim No. 164 Lodge in Hillsboro, Mo.

As a member of St. Luke’s United Church of Christ for more than 50 years, Cecil served on multiple boards and committees, including Church Council president and as the disciple Thaddeus in bi-annual Last Supper depictions. His strong faith, generosity, kindness (wrapped in a sometimes gruff exterior) and enduring love for his family will live in our hearts forever.

He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings: Velma Craiglow, Jack McLard, Fred McLard, and Bertha McLard; in-laws Herbert and Olinda Young; and sisters-in-law Audrey Schutz and Lois Case..

Visitation at Heiligtag Funeral Home is scheduled for July 7, 2024 from 3-7 pm. and visitation July 8, 10:30 am until time of service at the church,with services at St. Luke’s U.C.C. on July 8, 11:30 am and burial at Shepherd Hills Cemetery - in a spot Cecil selected for the view.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Luke’s United Church of Christ or Shriner's Hospital.