Cecil
Leroy
Mecham
Cecil "Deke" Leroy Mecham, age 88, passed away Wednesday March 23, 2022, surrounded by his loving family in Austin, TX.
Cecil was born November 15, 1933, in Roosevelt, Utah to Marvin Cecil Mecham and Annie Shepherd. He joined the Air Force at just 17 years old. He loved the excitement of being stationed in Japan, Germany, and Spain, but was also very happy while in Hawaii and Alaska. While stationed in Iowa in 1962, he met Arlene. They soon married and raised two children together. He retired as a SMSgt after serving 25 years. During that time, he was awarded the Commendation Medal, among many other achievements. He could tell the most wonderful stories about his time in the service and include every detail like it was yesterday. After retiring from the miliary, he went on to work for the Veterans Administration with final retirement in 1989.
Shortly after retirement, he became a grandfather to Haley. He was so happy to be her daytime caretaker, a job that he would love over the first five years of her life. They would continue to have a beautiful bond, as he did with his entire family. He was a good and decent man, who set an example for us early on, of the kind of person we would strive to be.
He was a kind and extremely generous man, with a dry sense of humor and really enjoyed making people around him laugh. Sometimes the best jokes were when he wasn't even trying to be funny! He loved music and movies, and was especially happy when watching a good western. He loved his family deeply, including his little dog, Zoe. Our hearts are broken as we try to move forward, but know that he lived a beautiful 88 years.
Cecil is survived by his wife, Arlene "Teddy" Mecham, his brother Gary Mecham and wife LuDawn, brother Ronald Mecham and wife Ruth, children Deena Mecham and Danny Mecham, his granddaughter, Haley Mecham, and many nieces and nephews. Cecil is preceded in death by his parents Marvin Cecil and Annie Shepherd Mecham, and two sisters, EulaVon Mecham Larsen and Reah Mecham Pace.
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Dina Tebcherany, MD of Texas Oncology and William Deaton, MD (retired) of Pulmonary & Critical Care Consultants, who were both so meaningful in our dad's life. There are no words to express how important you have been to us. We would also like to thank every employee of Texas Oncology at James Casey that touched his life. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
Arrangements for cremation will be made by Harrell Funeral Home at 4435 Frontier Trail,
Austin, TX 78745. No public services are planned, but a celebration of life will be held at a later time.