CECIL M. BRATCHER

Cecil Merle Bratcher, 85, of Kansas City North, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2016, surrounded by family. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, followed by a service celebrating Cecil's life at 11:00 am, on Friday, February 19, at Northland Cathedral, 101 NW 99th Street, Kansas City, MO. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to North Care Hospice. Cecil was born April 29, 1930, in Hamilton, MO, the youngest of five children of Meredith and Hazel (Chambers) Bratcher. Along with his parents, Cecil was preceded in death by his sister, Velma Ellerbeck; brothers, Lyle, Henry and Eugene Bratcher; and grandson, Brandon Bratcher. Cecil's career with the railroad spanned four decades: 25 years with Kansas City Terminal Railway, working his way to Assistant General Foreman, then 15 years as a field technician with Amtrak. He was a member of Northland Cathedral. Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Barbara (Crane) Bratcher; son and daughter-in-law, Dan and Melinda Bratcher; grandsons, Barak Bratcher and his wife Katie, and Aaron Bratcher; as well as nieces and nephews. A special thanks to Cecil's niece, Doris Ferguson, for the loving care she gave Cecil in his final weeks. Arrangements: Park Lawn Northland Chapel (816) 781- 8228.