Cecil Ray Phelps

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Mr. Cecil Ray Phelps, 88, of Eldorado, passed away at 6:45 p.m. Sunday, April 5, 2009, at Finnie Good Shepard Nursing Home in Galatia.

Cecil was born in East St. Louis on Dec. 6, 1920, the son of the late Clyde A. and Emma (Hughes) Phelps. He married Hazel L. (Brockett) on Feb. 1, 1939, and she preceded him in death in 1991.

Cecil is survived by four sons, Carroll (Chris Bauer) Phelps of Eldorado, Larry (Kathy Lamb) Phelps of Eldorado, David (Leslie Vaughn) Phelps of Eldorado and Mike (Barbara Coons) Phelps of Raleigh.

Cecil is also survived by a sister, Bernice Phelps Russell of Eldorado; two brothers, Lendell (Alice) Phelps of Glen Carbon and Wayne (June) Phelps of Glen Carbon; grandchildren, Kelly (Kristin Collins) Phelps of Harrisburg, Brandon Phelps of Harrisburg, Brooke (Jarod) Jackson of Eddyville, Aaron (Arianne Berry) Phelps of Eldorado, Brock Phelps of Springfield, Gretchen (Kerry) Sutton of Norris City, Britt (Ryan) Berry of Eldorado, Natalie (Kyle) Finnie of Karbers Ridge, Luke (Brandi Blackman) Phelps of Eldorado, Katie Phelps of Raleigh and Rachel Phelps of Raleigh; and 14 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Granville Phelps, Carl Phelps, Vonald D. Phelps and Gene Phelps.

Together with his loving wife, Hazel, Cecil volunteered countless hours in the upkeep and maintenance of Star General Baptist Church, where he was a lifetime member and served as a trustee.

He worked for Burnett's Bank and the Burnett family for over 60 years. His great love of life was his family, church family and a genuine desire to help others.

Cecil came from a musical family, married a preacher's daughter, and assisted his father-in-law, the Rev. Fred Brockett Sr., in numerous revivals throughout the tri-state areas. Later on, with the birth of their four sons -- Larry, Carroll, David and Mike -- Cecil and Hazel instilled the love of gospel music, often singing as a family. Cecil devoted most of his life driving the Phelps Brothers' bus while traveling throughout the United States.

Funeral services will be held at Star General Baptist Church, Eldorado at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2009. Visitation hours are 3 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, 2009, at Star General Baptist Church.

Colonial Terrace Funeral Home in Eldorado is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Star General Baptist Church. Envelopes will be available at the church or can be mailed to Star General Baptist Church, 4925 Highway 142 North, Eldorado, Ill. 62930.

Condolences can be sent to the family via the Internet site www.colonialterracefuneralhome.com.