The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Born in Burbank, CA to Carl and Twyla Hector. He joined the Navy in 1943 at age 16. When asked if he was underage, he humorously replied, "I had my mother's permission." After World War II ended, he left the service in 1947. When Korea happened, he patriotically re-upped in 1951. The military sent him home to take care of his young and growing family. He served on 18 battleships and 11 carriers. He had a great memory: he could recite many facts, including the name of every ship he served on. He was an aviation metalsmith.

In 1948, he married Lois Jennings. She passed away in 2003 after 55 years of marriage.

After his naval career, he worked for the phone company in Los Angeles and Delano, CA from 1952 to 1964. Transferring to Sacramento with the phone company, a few years later he went to work for the Air Force as a civilian contractor, which took him to many bases and even England and Germany.

After his international adventures, he stayed in phone installations, but this time for the Army Depot until 1976.

He was an avid hunter (to age 95!), fisherman, and skeet shooter. He would spend a lot of time fishing and hunting with his brother-in-law Karl Farr and nephew Mike.

Moving to Sisters in 1997 to be near family, he became involved with local veterans organizations, helping many people. He was awarded "70 years of Service." He belonged to the VFW for more than 70 years and the American Legion.

He is survived by sons John Helm of Italy, Brian Hector of California, and daughter Kathy of Sisters, Pat Farr sister-in-law, Mike Farr, nephew, Karla Dryden, niece, and nine grandchildren.

Donate to a veteran or veteran organization of your choice, or doing something kind for a veteran in memory of Cecil. Graveside will be a short military service at Deschutes Memorial Gardens on April 10 at 11 am.