Cecil Eugene Remington was born April 16, 1928, to Earl and Elsie (Pugh) Remington at their ranch near Fairpoint, SD. He attended grade school at the Atall School through 8th grade. Cecil then worked with his dad on the family ranch.
As a young lad, he worked with his dad for the WPA. He herded sheep for the neighbors living alone in a sheep wagon on the prairie. For many years, he helped move hay with Oscar Funell all over the community.
On July 17, 1949, Cecil married LaVonne Hanzlik at the Fairpoint Church. They made their home on the “Schuster” place until they lost it to fire in 1956. Then they moved in with his parents and ran the family ranch together for many years. In the early 70’s, they built their existing home from two schoolhouses.
Cecil was always proud of keeping the family ranch that was purchased in 1920 and wanted to see it as a century ranch. He loved his God, family and friends. He loved to dance, especially with the love of his life, LaVonne. He took pride in his special horses, brown Swiss milk cows, and border collie dogs that he raised over the years.
Cecil was well known for his hugs, whether you were family, friend, or medical staff. Cecil was known to be one of the first people to be at a function and one of the last to leave. He loved to go to church, singspirations, Sunday school conventions, Rainbow Bible Ranch, Rural Neighbors, softball games, auction sales, family reunions, and about anything that included visiting. He was president of the Fairpoint Church, the Fairpoint Cemetery, and held offices in the Cross Country Saddle Club.
Cecil died Monday, July 11, 2016, at Sturgis Regional Senior Care with his loving family by his side.
Cecil is survived by his siblings, Loretta (Sam) Bennett, Earl (Linda) Remington, and Melvin (Jean) Remington; his children, Galen (Nancy) Remington,Sturgis, SD.; Aneita (Don)Henry,Stoneville,SD.; Marvin Remington,Union Center, SD.; Gary (Roxanne) Remington,Union Center, SD.; and Adele (Terry) VanZee, Huron, SD.; his grandchildren, Donna (Bob) Milburn, Tyler, Keith, and Shadryn VanZee, Katie Remington, and Randi Tivis; and his great-grandchildren, Timmy Wheeler, and Amethyst, Emerald and Merijayne Milburn.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 64 years, LaVonne; a sister, Eva Grandpre Neuheisel; a granddaughter, Paula Henry; and countless loved ones.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 16, 2016, at 3:00 p.m. at the Union Center Baptist Church with Pastors Harold Delbridge and Wes Labrier officiating. Interment will follow at the Fairpoint Cemetery.
A memorial has been established to Rainbow Bible Ranch.