Cecil Joseph Damery Obituary (1931 - 2017)

Cecil Joseph Damery, 85, of Macon, passed away peacefully Monday, February 27, 2017 in his home with the comfort of his family members present. He was born on April 24, 1931 in Assumption, IL the son of William (Buck) and Cleo (Myres) Damery. He married Esther Cole on March 6, 1949 in Decatur, IL in which they shared 67 years of marriage. In 1951, he along with his brother Richard (Dick) Damery started Damery Bros./Decatur Danville Scale Co. In 1968, Cecil and his wife Esther owned and operated Decatur Danville Scale Co., Inc. until retirement. He was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather. He was a 37 year member of South Macon Lodge #467 A.F & A.M., a 19 year member of Scottish Rite Freemasonry Valley of Springfield, and he was elected and served 19 years as an Alderman for the City of Macon. He enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, golfing with the Wednesday Mens League in Moweaqua, and spending the winters in Texas. Cecil was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan and even attended all three stadiums. He is survived by his daughters: Dixie Jo (Wayne) Schmahl and Dana Damery of Macon and Dina (Gene) Velchek of Decatur; sons: Keith (Char) Damery of Decatur, Kim (Melanie) Damery of Macon, Kevin Damery of Argenta, Kent (Bev) Damery and Kerry Damery, and daughter-in law: Nikki (Kerby) Damery all of Macon; as well as 26 grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, 7 step great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and 3 step great-great grandchildren; two sisters: Jule Damery of Assumption and Evelyn (Bob) Wanless of Springfield, and sisters-in law Marge (Dale) Damery of Boulder, CO and Ann Marie (Merle) Damery of Assumption. Cecil was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Esther (August 31, 2016); sons Rex Eugene Damery and Kerby Dean Damery; sister: Aleane Morthole; brothers: William (Bill) Damery, Dale Damery, Richard (Dick) Damery, Lyle (Spud) Damery, Francis (Frog) Damery, and Merle (Moe) Damery; and 1 great-granddaughter. A service to celebrate and honor Cecils life will be held on Monday, March 6, 2017 at Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Home, Macon. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., with Masonic Rites and service starting at 1 p.m. He will be laid to rest next to his wife at Bethel Cemetery, Blue Mound. Memorials may be sent to Kerbystrong Foundation at kerbystrong.com or mailed to 120 S. Wall St., Macon, IL 62544. In addition the family also suggests D.M.H. Hospice. A special thanks to his niece Sumer Sunderland, Drs. Wall and Minnaganti, staff of D.M.H. and Hickory Point Christian Village. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com.