Mincks, Cecil E.

Cecil E. Mincks, 84, of Iowa City, died Sunday, July 26, 2009, at the Iowa City Care and Rehab Center. Graveside services with military honors will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at the Indian Creek Cemetery in rural Columbus Junction. Later that evening, there will be a reception at the American Legion on Muscatine Avenue in Iowa City beginning at 8 p.m.

A memorial fund has been established in Cecil's memory.

Cecil Eugene Mincks was born Nov. 20, 1924, in Calmer, the son of Lycurgns Ellsworth and Arabelle Jane (Perkins) Mincks. During World War II, he served his country in the United States Navy, enlisting at the age of 17, and had served in the South Pacific. Returning from service, Cecil took advantage of skills he learned as a cook in the service and opened up a restaurant with his brother. Later, he worked as a bus driver for the Iowa City Schools, and also for Colonial Bakery Company as a route sales person. On June 24, 1989, he was united in marriage to Sandra L. (Moran) Reed.

He was a member of the American Legion, past member of the Moose and the V.F.W. Cecil enjoyed the variety in life, from singing karaoke, cooking, hunting, fishing, bowling, flying, and just spending time with family and friends.

His family includes children, Randy Mincks of Velma, Wash., Dorena Brown of Caldwell, Idaho, Betty (Robert) Connors of Trimont, Minn., Roxie (Sid) Ruth of Clive, David (Nancy) Iben of Perry, Joyce (Ralph) Darnell of Muscatine, Tina (Robert) Leigh of Danville, Va., Judy Reed of Davenport, and Randy (Elizabeth) Reed of Davenport; several grandchildren, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Cecil was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sandy on Feb. 1, 2004; a sister, Gladys; and six brothers, Robert, Richard, Ivan, Leslie, Carol and Allyn.

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Cecil's services and his family.

Online condolences may be sent for his family through the Web at www.gayandciha.com.