Cecil Lee Swinney, 83 of Ash Grove, was born on September 18, 1939, in Greene County, Missouri to Albert Raymond and Lilyth Melba (Rogers) Swinney. On September 8, 1990, Cecil and Darlene Filar were united in marriage and shared over 32 years together.

Cecil first and foremost loved God. He was an active member of Second Baptist Church of Springfield. The gentle kindness he showed others reflected the love of Christ. Cecil also loved and adored his family and friends. Cecil began his career as a temp worker for City Utilities and then retired from there after 35 years of service in the water department. He enjoyed NASCAR, an avid fan of MSU Lady Bear Basketball, hunting for antiques at auctions, and enjoyed his time as a cattle farmer. He was a hard worker in all his endeavors. Cecil was a loving, one-of-a-kind man. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all those that knew and loved him.

Cecil was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Lilyth Swinney.

Cecil is survived by his wife, Darlene; brother, Bob Swinney; children, Charles Swinney, Jeff Martin and wife Sandra, Doug Martin and wife Kelli; grandchildren, Kiara and Knox; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and many friends.

Visitation will be 1:00 PM until service time, Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Ash Grove. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 PM, at the funeral home, with burial to follow at Johns Chapel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Springfield Workshop and may be left at the funeral home.