Cecil Petefish

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Cecil E. Petefish, age 90, of Springfield, MO., formerly of Joplin, MO., passed away on January 7th, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield. Cecil was born on April 27th,1934, in Alba, MO to his parents Cecil A. and Inez (Seybold) Petefish. He served in the US Navy from 1953 to 1957. 

Following his service, he married the love of his life, Shirley, on June 16th, 1957, in Diamond, MO. Cecil taught at Franklin Technical School for 19 years. 

Upon retiring from teaching, he owned and operated both Ozark Sheet Metal and Webb City Sheet Metal for many years until his retirement in 1999. He is preceded in death by his parents and by his wife, Shirley, and a sister, Pearl Cooper. Cecil is survived by three children, Rebecca Turnbough (Roger), Kevin Petefish, and David Petefish (Ron).

This week, we experienced the profound loss of one of the most significant figures in our lives: our father. His unexpected illness and subsequent passing have left us in a state of shock, heartache, and deep sorrow. We are still grappling with this reality, feeling numb. It is difficult to comprehend how such a vibrant and healthy individual could become so ill and depart from us so abruptly. He was our foundation, our educator, our mentor, and our hero. We have received numerous messages from individuals whose lives he touched and influenced. 

During his time in the Navy, he acquired the skills that shaped his lifelong career in sheet metal work. Throughout his tenure as an educator, he remained a friend and mentor to many of his students. Lifelong friendships were forged when he and our mother, Shirley, attended Connor Avenue Baptist Church, Forest Park Baptist Church, and later he attended Second Baptist and South Haven Baptist Church in Springfield. 

For the past five years, he dedicated his time to volunteering at Grand Oak Mission Center, where he was deeply valued by fellow volunteers, recipients, and staff. He was profoundly loved by those he served and collaborated with at the mission. Many tears and cherished memories have been shared in his honor. We have lovingly named these memories “Cecil Stories." 

His gentle, caring nature and loving acceptance of everyone he encountered left an indelible mark on countless lives. No one was a stranger to him; everyone was embraced and welcomed. We are all better individuals for having known him. He was cherished by many, and his absence will be felt by all. We consider ourselves fortunate to have had him in our lives for this long. As painful as this loss is, we find solace in the belief that he is now with his heavenly Father. His legacy will remain with us forever.

First Visitation
Monday, January 13, 2025
9:00AM - 10:00AM
Mason-Woodard Mortuary
3701 East 7th Street
Joplin, MO 64801

Service
Monday, January 13, 2025
10:00AM
Osborne Memorial Cemetery
33rd McClelland Blvd
Joplin, MO 64804

Final Resting Place
Osborne Memorial Cemetery
33rd McClelland Blvd.
Joplin, MO 64804