Cecil Shelby

Cecil R. Shelby, 88, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died Thursday, Sept. 7, 2006, at Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Aug. 27, 1918, in Dogwood, son of James and Effie Wilburn Shelby. He and Violet Nelson were married July 12, 1941, in New Madrid, Mo. She preceded him in death on Feb. 25, 2001.

Shelby was a member of Murray Lane Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for many years.

Survivors include two sons, Mitchell Shelby of Cape Girardeau, Terry Shelby of Sikeston; a daughter, Sherry Phillips of New Madrid; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two sisters and three brothers.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.

Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the chapel, with the Rev. Kelley Grubbs, pastor of Murray Lane Baptist Church, officiating.

Burial will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery, with full military rites provided by the Missouri Military Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions to be made to Murray Lane Baptist Church, 807 W. Murray Lane, Sikeston, Mo. 63801 or Missouri Veterans Home, 2400 Veterans Drive, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701.