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Paul F. Cecil De Soto, TX QCWA # 34458 Chapter |134|41| |
Paul Frederick Cecil, Junior died quietly in his sleep on August 10, 2022, at the age of 66 years in his home in DeSoto, Texas. Paul was born in Del Rio, TX to Barbara (Gillespie) Cecil and the late Paul F. Cecil, Sr. Paul grew up in a military family moving numerous times during his childhood including Texas, New York, Washington, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Mississippi. His father's last military assignment was at Randolph AFB in Texas which allowed Paul to attend most of his high school in one location Samuel Clemens High School in Schertz, Texas. Paul graduated from High School in the class of 1974. Following high school, Paul attended Texas A & M University for two years where he was a proud member of the Corps of Cadets playing the trombone for the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band.
In 1977, Paul made the decision to enlist in the Air Force where he developed his passion for electronics. After serving his country, Paul took advantage of the ability to continue his education eventually earning a Bachelor of Science degree in computer studies and management from the University of Maryland.
After earning his degree, Paul worked in the field of computer electronics which led him to Germany where he lived for four years. While in Germany, he enjoyed traveling and learning about the German culture. He also found a passion for drinking fine wines and craft beers. During his stay in Germany, Paul began working for Raytheon. After leaving Germany, Raytheon assigned him to offices in Maine and eventually Dallas where he retired in 2017. His work with Raytheon gave him the opportunity to serve his country once again as he worked closely with the government to provide security at many airports and at many of our overseas bases. When Paul was assigned to Dallas, he bought his forever home in DeSoto, a quiet community where he could relax when he was not traveling.
Paul had many passions outside of work. He got his motorcycle license, purchased two motorcycles, and spent many years riding. Paul's retirement also allowed him to pursue his interest in amateur ham radio operator with the call sign of KA5FPT. With his interest in amateur ham radio, he belonged to several clubs and attended conventions in Maine, Ohio, North Carolina, and Florida. Also, through his amateur ham radio license, Paul became involved in the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES). He enjoyed traveling when he could to new areas that he had yet to adventure. Paul never married but he was passionate about his family. He made a point of making phone calls, traveling to visit family members, and tracking family on Facebook. His good nature and humor are evident in many of his communications like commenting to his niece "so, your hair is purple now."
Paul is survived by his mother Barbara (Gillespie) Cecil of Round Rock, 1 brother Scott (Irene) Cecil of Georgetown, and 2 sisters Kim (Mark) Sutter of Phoenix, AZ, and Debbie (Terry) Russell of Georgetown. He is also survived by 3 nephews. 2 nieces, 2 great nephews, and 1 great niece, along with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins (too many to list).
The family requests that in lieu of flowers that you donate to the American Heart Association in memory of Paul.
A private service will be held at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 30, 2022.