Paul Cecil

Paul was born in Hutchinson, Kansas, in 1934 to Clarence and Margaret Cecil. After his parents’ divorce his mother married William Starr. Paul entered the Air Force in 1954 to become a pilot. In 1955, Paul was part of the flying class 55Q. While attending pilot training in Phoenix, Arizona, he met Barbara Gillespie and was married in 1955. During a 21-year stint in the US Air Force, Paul was stationed in 16 locations. From 1966 to 1967 he did a tour in Vietnam with the 19th Air Commando Squadron, the Ranch Hand unit. He retired in 1974 as a Lieutenant Colonel and Command Pilot with 26 awards and decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and 8 Air Medals.

After leaving the Air Force, Paul resumed his college studies to attend Southwest Texas State College and Texas A&M University to earn three degrees, including a Doctorate in History in 1983. He has continued to stay active in the Texas A&M alumni association and was active with the Capital City A&M Club and the Williamson County A&M Club. He also worked for the Texas State Historical Association and was an associate editor of the 7-volume Handbook of Texas. He is the author of Herbicidal Warfare, the Ranch Hand Project in Vietnam. In his spare time Paul officiated baseball (44 seasons) and football (18 years) at all levels from Little League thru semi-pro and college.

Paul taught history at Southwest Texas State College, Texas A&M University, and Austin Community College. Following his teaching career, he was a professional editor and historical researcher/writer for numerous professional journals. He also served as historian and archivist for the RANCH HAND Vietnam Association of Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

Paul attended the Round Rock Citizen Police Academy (CPA) Class 15 and has served as an active Police Volunteer since graduation. Paul has received numerous volunteer awards including the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

Paul is survived by his mother Margaret Starr and his two sisters Joan Brown and Gloria Chadwick of Hutchinson, Kansas. His wife Barbara, and their 4 children: Paul Jr. of Texas; Kimberlee Sutter of Arizona; Deborah Russell of Ohio; and Scott Cecil of Texas. He also is survived by 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, you make a donation to your favorite charity in memory of Paul.