Cecil W. Neckels
Rancher, Farmer, Pilot, Veteran
Cecil William Neckels was born on December 29, 1933 in Kildeer, North Dakota, to Carl and Verna Neckels (Thorson-Manley). Cecil passed on June 20, 2024 at the age of 90. His young life was spent in Grassy Butte, ND, and Sydney, MT. He had an affinity for horses which started in childhood. He and his sister, Cleo, rode to grade school on horseback where they had a stable to keep the horses during the day. He was a renowned horseman and trained many excellent working horses throughout his life. There was one he failed to break, and it had a career as a professional bucking horse.
Cecil loved the lord, his family, and his country. He served in the United States Air Force for four years. It was there he converted to Christianity, and he served the Lord the rest of his days.
After leaving the military, he received a degree from St. Paul Bible College, and then went to school to become a Radiology Technologist which helped pay for the babies that followed. He married Eva Ramer and they had four children, who they raised on ranches in Montana, Texas, California and Oregon. He was a wonderful Dad and the hardest working man we have ever known. While ranch life wasn’t easy, the days were fun when working with Dad.
He retired from ranching and moved to Idaho where he worked on seasonal fires and local ranches . He and Eva then moved to Deer Lodge where he was veryactive in his community. He was a member of the Honor Guard, worked at the Jewell Funeral Home, was active in the Tractor Club with his restored Farmall H, and was always willing to lend a helping hand to friends and family. He attended the Lutheran Church, the Mennonite Church in Gold Creek, and First Baptist in Deer Lodge.
He had a love for learning, a quick wit, a great sense of humor, and an enduring interest in his children and grandchildren’s lives. We will miss his daily phone calls and texts. We rejoice in his love for the Lord, and we are thankful he has been released from his earthly body which he wore out with a life well lived.
He is survived by brothers Howard (Jarita) and John Neckels, his wife Eva Neckels, sons Bill (Sheila) Neckels, David (Carina) Neckels, daughter Brenda (Kevin) Myers. Grandchildren: Amanda (Mike Tyree) Neckels, Rachael (Matt Edens) Neckels, Tasha (Tory) Owen, Tyrel Azbill, and Teagan Azbill. Great Grandchildren: Wyatt Neckels, Kailey Neckels, Tilly Jo Neckels, Addison Jayne Neckels, Reilly Owen and Maverick Azbill. He has many beloved nieces and nephews and his adopted family Craig and Nicole Blubaugh. He was preceded in death by his sister Cleo Strickland, daughter Rosalie Neckels and grandson Benjamin Neckels.
Visitation with viewing will be held from 5-7pm on Thursday, June 27th at First Baptist Church, 127 Sam Beck Rd. in Deer Lodge, MT 59722. A Funeral Service will be held at 11am on Friday, June 28th at Frist Baptist Church. A Graveside Service with Military Honors will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge. A reception will be held back at the church following the graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Cecil are suggested to the Powell County Veterans Honor Guard, 409 Missouri Ave, Deer Lodge, MT 59722, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Cecil.
Service Schedule
Viewing
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday June 27, 2024
First Baptist Church
127 Sam Beck Rd.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday June 28, 2024
First Baptist Church
127 Sam Beck Rd.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Friday June 28, 2024
Hillcrest Cemetery
127 Sam Beck Rd.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Reception
Following the burial
Friday June 28, 2024
First Baptist Church
127 Sam Beck Rd.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Service Schedule
Viewing
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday June 27, 2024
First Baptist Church
127 Sam Beck Rd.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday June 28, 2024
First Baptist Church
127 Sam Beck Rd.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Friday June 28, 2024
Hillcrest Cemetery
127 Sam Beck Rd.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Reception
Following the burial
Friday June 28, 2024
First Baptist Church
127 Sam Beck Rd.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Share
Wilkinson Lynne says
My prayers and deepest condolences to the Neckels family. We were all honored to have known Cecil and shared time with him. Rest in peace, my friend.
Angela Hagler says
Aunt Eva and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss but also rejoicing with you as Cecil is with Jesus now. Prayers for your comfort. Love you all!! Angie and Bob Hagler
Stacie Fleming-Marler says
I am so sorry for your loss! Cecil was a wonderful man. My condolences to all of the family!
Frances Robbins says
Dearest Eva and family,
So sorry to hear this news!
I have such deep respect for Cecil and all he gave of his Godly heart to the family and community. He and Eva were always there for me and my son Kai in times of need as well as friendship. I will try to attend the funeral in person.
Love and hugs,
Frances (Bauer) Robbins
Bridgett Oliver says
We are so sorry for your loss ❤️🙏 . Chuck and I so enjoyed knowing Cecil and Eva! Chuck remembers the time Cecil took him and Marvin to the mountains in his truck! Such good memories! Will miss seeing him when we visit Deer Lodge but I know he’s in a good place!! Love you Eva!
LARRY E SPANGBERG says
Lost a good friend and fellow veteran that was on the HONOR GUARD for many years.
Douglas G Kusel says
I have known Cecil since 1973 when we both worked for Bunker Hunt of Dallas. I worked in the home office and Cecil was the manager of Mr Hunts Northern California cattle and timber operation north of Laytonville. I spoke with him often and finally met him some years later at the property in California. He suggested we should take a horseback ride so I could see some of the 17,000 acres. Eight hours later, saddle sore and all we finally got back. (Cecil loved to have fun with people and knew I was pretty much an novice when it comes to riding in the saddle)
We kept in touch over the years and always had stories to share about our days with NB HUNT RANCHES. (Bunker had 17 operations in the US plus seven thoroughbred farms)
Years later, Cecil and family moved back to Texas to manage a property near Dallas. One year, my wife and I took an extended vacation and had Cecil take care of our Golden Retriever. He was always willing to help, never heard him say a curse word, never saw him upset with his workers. Just a jewel of a person, the kind you like to call your friend. His laughter and gentle smile will be missed.
God bless to Eva and the rest of the family.
Douglas G Kusel
Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
Diane Mavrinac and Joe says
He was a great and caring man
Frederick John Ferrer says
I didn’t know Cecil well, as I just joined the American Legion’s Post 10 last year. As a fellow Legionnaire and Air Force Veteran, I am grateful for his service. I only wish I had time to get to know him better. God Bless. I regret that I will be eight hours away on Friday at the State Legion gathering. My thoughts and prayers will be with family and friends.
Susan Kalarchik says
Words can not express how deeply Cecil will be missed.
Michele Steyh says
Rest in peace my friend. It was an honor to know you and work with you in the Honor Guard and Veterans projects.