Joseph M. Cecil

Joseph Martin Cecil, 74, of Owensboro passed peacefully on Sunday, May 8, 2016. As a devout Roman Catholic, he was a strong supporter of Right to Life and Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital and served as a jail minister in Owensboro for several years. Martin was a faithful husband of 52 years, devoted father/grandfather, and staunch defender of his Roman Catholic faith.

Hard work on his farm and playing Bluegrass music were his passions. His career in education began in 1968 as a teacher at Daviess County Vocational School, later becoming principal of Owensboro Vocational-Technical School from 1973 until 1987. He continued working as a vocational-industrial training coordinator until 1998, from there moving on to the Kentucky State Cabinet for Economic Development until his final retirement in 2011.

He was preceded in death by his father Lawson Cecil, mother Clara Mae Fulkerson Cecil, sister Judy Cecil
Wilkerson, and son Christopher Duane Cecil.

Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Patricia Roberts Cecil; brothers Donald Cecil of Louisville, Clemie (Jackie), Pat (Patsy) Mitchell (late Eva), and Randall (Arlene) Cecil of Knottsville; his children Dana Jo (John) Craig of Arden, NC; Dawn Marie (John) Tignor of Hernado, MS, Damon Jude (Jennifer) Cecil of Philpot, and Darren Joseph Cecil of Philpot; eight grandchildren, Jennifer Cecil (Jay) Fox, Ashten, Addison, Hannah, and Aaron Tignor; Jude, Claire, and Vivian Cecil; and four great-grandchildren Julie, Jacob, Josie Wright, and Jayden Fox.

Funeral services at 10:00 AM Wednesday May 11, at Saints Joseph and Paul Catholic Church with burial following at the Cecil Family Farm. Visitation will be from 2:00-8:00pm Tuesday, with prayers at 6:30pm and after 8:00am Wednesday at Saints Joseph and Paul Catholic Church. Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions can be made to Right to Life of Owensboro 1115 Tamarack Road, Owensboro, KY 42301; EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network) at 5817 Old Leeds Road, Irondale, AL 35210-2164; or Saint Jude Childrens Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105. Condolences to the family may be placed at www.glennfuneralhome.com.