Cecil Gaitan

Cecil Gaitan, 68, of Wichita Falls passed away on Friday, July 18, 2025.

A visitation will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 20, 2025 prior to the funeral service at 4:00 p.m. at Owens and Brumley Funeral Home in Wichita Falls with Pastor Raymond “Pete” Corrales, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Owens and Brumley Funeral Home of Wichita Falls.

Cecil was born on January 19, 1957 to the late Pedro Sr. and Margaret (Gonzales) Gaitan in Frederick, Oklahoma, where he attended school.

A skilled bricklayer and respected contractor, Cecil was truly a jack of all trades, there wasn’t much he couldn’t fix or build. He took great pride in his work, not just because it paid the bills, but because it meant something to him to do things right and to help others along the way.

More than anything, he loved his family. He was a devoted father, brother, friend, and the best “Papa” any grandkid could ask for. His grandchildren were the joy of his life, and he never missed a chance to spoil them, make them laugh, or cheer them on.

He had the biggest heart and was always the first one to show up when someone needed help without being asked. Whether it was lending a hand, sharing a story, or simply being there, he made everyone around him feel like family.

Though he was a strong man, he had one fear in life: “Rara” and those who know the story are smiling through their tears. He also had a deep love for the open road and was a lifelong Harley-Davidson enthusiast. The wind in his face and the rumble of his bike beneath him brought him peace and joy like nothing else.

Cecil leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, hard work, and deep devotion to his family. He will be missed beyond measure, but the life lessons he taught and the memories he made will live on in all who knew him.

Ride free and rest easy.

Along with his parents, Cecil was preceded in death by a sister, Julie Gaitan; brother, Pete Gaitan Jr.; and Rita Gaitan.

He is survived by a son, Casey Gaitan of Wichita Falls; three daughters, Amy Gaitan of Fredrick, Oklahoma, Tina Rodriguez (Ramiro) of Iraan, Texas and Ashley Haney (Lewis) of Granbury, Texas; two sisters, Linda Masters and Margaret A. Gaitan both of Wichita Falls; two brothers, Ray Gaitan (Teresa) of Wichita Falls and Mickey Gaitan (Margie) of Iowa Park; sister-in-law, Mary Gaitan; fifteen grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.owensandbrumley.com