Cecil Necessary

Cecil Jennings Necessary, age 87, of Arvada, CO, passed away from cancer at his home on July 18, 2025.

Cecil was born on September 3, 1937, where he was the 4th of 9 siblings (4 brothers and 5 sisters). He was raised in the back country of Virginia where his family raised hogs and farmed the land to survive. Family income came from farming tobacco. The experience of farming tobacco on his parent's land is where Cecil got his start in the business world.

Cecil was the only sibling to pursue a career outside the state of Virginia. After high school, he left for Cleveland where he attended the Cleveland Engineering Institute at night and worked for an Engineering firm on a survey crew and as a Draftsman from 1957-1960.

In 1957, Cecil met Ruth Thompson at a bus stop in Cleveland. They both worked in downtown Cleveland. A friendship ensued. Sometime later, Cecil bought a car (1953 Ford). The friendship became a courtship where Cecil claims the car was the attraction.

Cecil and Ruth were married April 23, 1960. With a U-Haul trailer in tow, they left for Colorado soon after the ceremony. Cecil joined KRW Engineering that same year.

In 1961, Cecil received orders to report to the Military Draft where he was drafted into the Army. While in the Army, Cecil served as a surveyor for the Corps of Engineers in Panama.

After serving with the Army, Cecil and Ruth pursued work under KRW in Denver, then Yakima Washington, back to Denver, then Miami Florida, and finally back to Denver where they settled in 1970. Cecil and Ruth had two sons. Brett was born in 1966 (Yakima) and Bart was born in 1969 (Miami).

Upon moving to Colorado, the family had short stays in Bear Valley and Littleton, and then finally settled down in Arvada in 1978 until present. At this location, Cecil spent most of his working career with Centennial Engineering as a Draftsman for the Road and Bridge Departments.

Cecil and Ruth were very active with their sons by way of sports. Until their teenage years, the sons had a taste of hockey, soccer, baseball, and football. Cecil coached the boys and spent significant time volunteering as a referee. Eventually, Brett took to playing music (guitar and drums) and Bart pursued a college degree.

Aside from sports, Cecil also enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and church. These activities were instilled in the family early on. As a hobby, Cecil collected stamps and was passionate about taking care of the yard.

Cecil spent a lot of time volunteering. He was instrumental in the development and maintenance of the Stenger Soccer Complex in Arvada. His summer evenings were devoted to manually moving water cannons to keep the pitch green. Cecil also volunteered significant time and maintenance at the Ward Road Baptist Church.

Both boys got married and Ruth passed away in 2013. After Ruth's passing, the families' support for Cecil grew and relationships were even stronger. Cecil was so loved by the boys, their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Although Cecil will be greatly missed, the families understand he is at peace as he is now in the care of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and re-united with Ruth and his family and friends that preceded him in death.

Cecil is preceded in death by his parents Sherman and Eva, brother Howard, and sisters Geneva Ratliff, Lillian Worley, Juanita Gordon, and Beulah Harrison. Cecil is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Brett and Marci Necessary (grandchildren: Jesse Barber, Anthony Roantes, and Anastacia Roantes; great-grandchild, Haley Roantes); son and daughter-in-law, Bart and Lisa Necessary (grandson, Denny and wife Stephanie Necessary, great-grandchildren, Logan Vandermerwe-Smith and Bentley, Jaxon, and Brooklyn Necessary; granddaughter, Brittany Clarke and husband Michael; grandson, Aaron Necessary); sister, Dorothy Crosswhite; brother, Wilburn and wife Geraldine Necessary; and brother, Verlin and wife Brenda Necessary.

There are so many thanks to be given for all the support that was given to Cecil. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Brighton Hospice, Applewood Baptist Church, or a veteran's support organization or children's charity in his name. Cecil gave donations to the Wounded Warrior Project and to Smile Train.

Service Timeline:

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Church Service: 10:30 – 11:30 AM

Applewood Baptist Church: 11200 W 32nd Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

Reception: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

· Applewood Baptist Church: 11200 W 32nd Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

Military Service: 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM

· Ft. Logan National Cemetery: 4400 W Kenyon Ave, Denver, CO 80236

· Meet at Staging Area B by 1:15 PM