Wallace Lincoln Cecil

Wallace “Bub” Lincoln Cecil, age 91, of Gary, passed away October 31, 2017. Born on Abraham Lincoln’s birthday in 1926, Wally graduated from Horace Mann High School in 1944, shortly before joining the U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division during World War II. He served in the Philippines and in the occupation of Japan before completing his military service in July of 1946. Fittingly, the military ship that took him from Manila to Yokohama was the USS Cecil. Upon his return from military duties, Wally married his high school sweetheart, Marguerite “Mickee” Jones in September, 1949, and the newlyweds immediately moved to New Mexico where Wally received a scholarship to play baseball at the University of New Mexico. Their first daughter was born in New Mexico before he graduated in 1951, and then the family returned to Gary, IN. A superior athlete, Wally earned a tryout with the Chicago Cubs in 1951. In their letter to him, the ever generous Cubs organization stated: “We will reimburse you for your railroad coach or bus fare and meals for the day if you are signed to a minor league contract in the class recommended.” The Cubs did indeed offer Wally a minor league contract to play second base, but by then, Wally had secured a steady job at Republic Steel in Gary. As a married man with a young family to support, Wally declined the Cubs offer. Wally and Mickee raised their family in the Aetna neighborhood of Gary. He worked as an accountant at Gary Screw and Bolt and then Carter Controls in Lansing, IL for many years, working evenings and weekends selling real estate. Wally remained active in baseball as an umpire for local youth leagues and served as President of the Aetna Community Club. He was also a regular contributor to the Aetna Carnival and Aetna School PTA. Upon retirement from full time work, Wally co-founded Cecil Real Estate, Inc., with his daughter Megan, remaining licensed for 50 years. After moving to Ogden Dunes, he joined the Lion’s Club and other civic organizations. Wally loved to spend time with his grandchildren. A smart, gentle and uncomplicated man, he was most content when smoking his pipe, walking his beloved Scottie dogs and sharing jokes from Reader’s Digest. Wally was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years-Marguerite (nee Jones); brother-Henry “Jack” Cecil; sister-Betty Cecil. He is survived by his three daughters-Cynthia (Joseph) Philbin, Patricia (Daniel) Volz and Megan (Christopher Dilts) Cecil; grandchildren-Laura (Matthew Myers) Philbin, Matthew Philbin and Carol Dilts; second wife-Henrietta Cecil. Funeral service for Wally will be held on Monday, November 6, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 701 East 7th Street, Hobart. Friends and family may visit with his family on Sunday, November 5th at Burns (Hobart) from 1-6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to an animal rescue/shelter or charity of your choice in Wally’s memory. Interment at Calumet Park Cemetery. www.burnsfuneral.com.

Wallace Lincoln Cecil

February 12, 1926 - October 31, 2017