Cecil Hupper, 84, of Eolia, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on October 30, 2025. Cecil was born on January 22, 1941, in Pettigrew, Arkansas. In 1962, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara (Crouse) and for the last 63 years has been a devoted husband and great partner as they built an amazing life for themselves and their kids.  Together they built a loving family of four children: Elizabeth, Kevin, Susan, and Cortney.

A humble and faithful man, Cecil believed deeply in three things — loving the Lord, loving your family, and loving your country. In his eyes, with those three loves, you couldn't go wrong.  He was known for his many sayings, but none defined him more than the expression "But for the grace of God."

Cecil had a sharp sense of humor and delighted in sharing a good joke or a good-natured prank. His faith was the cornerstone of his life. He was a devoted member of Whiteside Presbyterian Church, where he served faithfully as treasurer for many years.

A talented athlete, Cecil excelled in basketball at Clopton High School, earning All-State honors before continuing his basketball career at Moberly Junior College and Texas Midwestern. He later graduated from Truman State University with a degree in education and began teaching and coaching at Silex High School. During his five years at Silex, he made many lifelong friends and often spoke fondly of those cherished years.

Cecil later joined Cuivre River Electric Cooperative, where he served as Manager of Member Services for 33 years. During that time, the cooperative experienced tremendous growth and expansion, and Cecil played a key role in that success. In 1996, he helped establish Operation Round Up, which as of spring 2025 has distributed more than $8 million in donations to those in need. Cecil took great pride in his work and loved his "Cuivre family," always ready with a helping hand—or a well-timed prank.

Outside of work, Cecil found joy in farming. In the 1970s, he raised and sold quail, and for the past 50 years, he took great pride in raising cattle and caring for his herd.

Cecil believed in community service and had many leadership roles over the years.  Most recently, he enjoyed working at the polls on election day in Pike County and was the treasurer of the Millcreek Cemetery Association for many years.  He was an active member and past president of the Pike County Republican Club.  Cecil also coached many softball and baseball teams.

Above all, Cecil's greatest joy came from his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather—a steady, loving presence who could always be counted on as the rock of the family. He found great joy in watching his children, and later grandchildren, shine—whether they were competing on the court or field, riding in the horse arena, performing at piano recitals, or taking part in school programs. A devoted supporter of Clopton basketball, he especially beamed with pride at the girls' state championship victory in 2005. Cecil loved celebrating holidays and birthdays, and he was always ready for a friendly family card game, a classic holiday movie, or simply relaxing together to watch TV. Ever the coach and teacher, he never missed a chance to offer a bit of wisdom or encouragement on how to grow and improve.

Cecil is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara; their children Elizabeth (Hector) Bencomo, Kevin Hupper, Susan Hupper, and Cortney (Adam) Lenk; 11 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Penn Sullivan and son-in-law, Scott Burkemper.

He will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him. But in true Cecil fashion, he wouldn't want tears—only fond memories and smiles.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or Samaritan's Purse, or the Millcreek Cemetery Association c/o the funeral home.

Visitation scheduled from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 at the McCoy-Blossom Funeral Homes & Crematory, Troy

A Funeral service scheduled at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025 at the McCoy-Blossom Funeral Homes & Crematory, Troy Rev. Murray Phillips to officiate. Pallbearers: Mathew Hupper-Alex Bencomo-Ryan Bencomo-Landon Hupper-Collin Lenk-Bob Hall-Ron Sconce. Honorary pallbearers: Bob Wright-Warren Henry-Jimmy Jeans-Mike Martin. Interment to follow in Millcreek Cemetery, Silex. Family and Friends may sign the online guestbook @www.mccoyblossomfh.com