New Iberia - Cecil Anthony Hymel, Sr., 73, passed away in peace on Friday, September 27, 2013, after a long and courageous journey with Alzheimers disease. He was born February 4, 1940 in Delcambre, Louisiana, son of the late Anthony Hymel and Eunice Delcambre Hymel.
Cecil came from a long line of educators, which began in 1904 with his grandfathers establishment of the Delcambre Commercial College and which led to his life-long interest in education. He pursued doctoral studies, after having completed Bachelors, Masters, and Educational Specialist Degrees at the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette). His early career was spent enhancing area educational opportunities as Iberia Parishs first Title I Director, during which time he was instrumental in establishing the Remedial Reading Program, the French Immersion Program, and a program to prepare area students for chefs positions in the off-shore oil industry.
In addition to education, Cecil was engaged in administration during his professional career. He began as a teacher with the Iberia Parish School System and retired in 1982 as Director of the Title One Programs. He pursued his interest in banking and was employed as a Vice President at Capital Bank and as a Senior Vice President of Peoples Bank. He concluded his career as Vice President of Administration with McIlhenny Company, retiring in 1996.
Cecil had a special bond with his childhood friends and classmates, which prevailed throughout his life. He was an avid sportsman, who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing with his son and friends.
Cecil is survived by his wife, Caryn Gautreaux Hymel; son, Cecil Anthony Hymel II, and wife, Kelly Kidder Hymel; daughter, Natalie Claire Hymel; grandsons, Jack and Ben Hymel. He is further survived by his sister, Dr. Gail Hymel Dack; father-in-law, Whitney Gautreaux; sisters-in-law, Teri DesOrmeaux and Brenda Laws; brother-in-law, Bryan Gautreaux.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony J. Hymel and Eunice Delcambre Hymel; mother-in-law, Thelma M. Gautreaux; sister, Jacqueline Hymel Gauthier; brothers-in-law, Cecil Gauthier and Richard Laws; and his sons grandparents, Otis and Ruby Oubre.
Serving as pallbearers are Dr. John L. Beyt, Roy Simoneaud, Kenneth Kenu Romero, Bryan Gautreaux, and grandsons, Jack and Ben Hymel.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, October 1, 2013, at Nativity of Our Lady Catholic Church in New Iberia.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Monday, September 30, 2013, and continue on Tuesday, October 1st at 9 a.m. until 10:15 a.m., at Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560.
A rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. on Monday.
Fr. Gary Schexnayder will officiate at the funeral service and Concelebrant will be Fr. Edward Duhon.
Entombment will follow at Nativity of Our Lady Mausoleum in New Iberia.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the caregivers of Maison Du Monde Nursing Home in Abbeville, Louisiana, especially Deborah, Millie, and Stephanie, as well as Joanne and Jenee of Hospice of Acadiana.
Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560, (337.365.3331), is in charge of arrangements.
To view on-line obituary, sign guestbook and view video tribute, go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com
Visitation:
Pellerin Funeral Home - New Iberia
502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd.
New Iberia, LA 70560
9 am - 10:15 am ,Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Entombment:
Tuesday
Nativity of Our Lady Cemetery
