Joshua Cornelius Cecil's Obituary
Funeral services for Josh Cecil, 26, of Anacoco, will be held on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. in the St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Leesville. Burial will follow in the Leesville Cemetery under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 from 5:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. at the church. The rosary will be held at 6:00 P.M.
Joshua Cornelius Cecil was born on December 17, 1994 in Alexandria, Louisiana to Raymond and Tammy Lenahan Cecil. Josh passed away on October 23, 2021 at home surrounded by those who dearly loved him.
Josh was a 2013 graduate of Anacoco High School and served his class as Valedictorian and Class President. He was a proud member of the AHS basketball team and forged friendships with loyal and faithful young men he remained close with long after they turned in their uniforms. His greatest pride, however, was winning state championships in the trifecta of throwing events: discus, shot put, and javelin, events in which he still holds school records.
He took his love for the javelin and his passion for rocks to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He pursued and obtained an undergraduate degree in petroleum geology while competing with the ULL track and field team. It was while he was in the geology department and on the track team that he enjoyed incredible experiences and moments with some of the finest people around. He was active with PACE and SAAC, student/athlete organization. He experienced the thrill of geology while on field camp. But his greatest achievement was receiving international recognition as a part of UL’s Geology IBA team.
Josh was able to complete his masters in petroleum geology while undergoing grueling chemotherapy treatments. Although he had great plans to work in his field of study, he had to return home due to health problems. Still he committed to finding joy and purpose and loved his time at Fox’s Pizza, dominating the dough line, as well as his work substitute teaching and tutoring students and coaching local javelin and discus throwers.
Josh spent his life volunteering at the Louisiana Lions Camp as a counselor and head lifeguard, and he was known affectionately as “King Josh” to all who spent time at the pool. He was a devoted servant of the Lord at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. He was so pleased to be inducted into the Leesville Lions Club and honored to be recognized as a Melvin Jones Fellow. He treasured his weekly luncheons with the members of the Leesville Lions Club and was honored to serve with them. Josh loved good food and good beer and reveled and enjoying and talking about both. Josh was to his final breath the kind, generous, gracious, and appreciative young man God created him to be.
Josh is preceded in death by his maternal grandmother Vernia Gotreaux Lenahan and his beloved “PawPaw” Leland Lenahan; his paternal grandfather Raymond E. Cecil, Jr.
He is survived by his parents and his brothers Zachary Slay Cecil of Waco, Texas and Julian Cecil of Lafayette, Louisiana; his paternal grandmother Patricia Dishogh Cecil of Jasper, Texas; Aunts and Uncles Leland and Christy Lenahan, III, of Lafayette; John and Michelle Lenahan of Anacoco; Bernadine Lenahan and Tommy Bolton of Anacoco; Richard and Amy Cecil of Alexandria; and Lisa Cecil of Alexandria. Josh was dearly loved by a host of family and devoted friends.
Josh was so grateful to the innumerable family, friends, and medical professionals who walked with him and loved him. He loved people and their stories and being with others. His family would like to thank all of those individuals and churches who have been in continual prayer for him. You have sustained us all in a most difficult time.
Donations can be made to the Josh Cecil Memorial Scholarship Fund established at the Louisiana Lions Camp or to a charity of personal choice.
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