Terry Joe Cecil, Sr. of Dexter, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his residence on May 9, 2023, at the age of 70. Joe Cecil was born on May 16, 1952, in Sikeston, Missouri.

He is survived by his two children and their spouses, Joe and Lora Cecil, and Jenny and Jeremiah Oakley; grandkids Kristin Bailey, Taylor Cecil, Macy Cecil, and Reece Jones; great granddaughter Kassidy Bailey; his sisters Brenda Sprenke, Linda Cecil; brothers, Gary Cecil, and Frank Cecil; his special friend and caregiver Shaun Flanery and his beloved pets, Molly, Buddy, and TJ.

He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Mildred Cecil; brothers Larry, Mike & Dennis John Cecil; sisters, Patsy Cecil, and Gayle Rodgers.

Mr. Cecil was a medic in the U.S. Air Force, until in 1979 when he opened Cecil Auto Sales in Dexter, which he owned for over 30 years. He loved cars, traveling, and especially his grandchildren, whom he was so proud of. He was known for lending a hand to anyone who needed it and always being the life of the party. Along with his many friends and family, Joe leaves behind plenty of great stories and good times.

We ask that when you think of Joe, you think of him in a Hawaiian shirt with a big smile trying to make one last deal for the day.

Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Monday, May 15, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Funeral services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, May 15, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.

Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.