Lt. Col. Cecil Elzie Coursey, 77, of Vici, passed from this life on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at the Seiling Nursing Center. He was born November 13, 1938 in Webb, OK to Elzie "Roy" Coursey and Erma Mae (DeMoss) Coursey. He grew up in the Webb and Camargo area, graduating Camargo High School with the Class of 1956. After this he attended Oklahoma State University under the R.O.T.C. program, graduating with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering and Education. After graduation, he received his officer commission with the United States Air Force. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel serving with both the active and reserve components of the Air Force. During his time in service he received several awards including the National Defense Service Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and a Vietnam Service Medal with four service stars. After receiving his honorable discharge, Cecil returned to the Vici area, and worked several jobs before finding a second career as a postal carrier for the rural Vici, Camargo, and Webb routes. Cecil was a member of the First Baptist Church of Vici, the American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (V.F.W.) in his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and shooting guns, especially with his grandson Tommy. He will be remembered as generous, and was always there to help those who were in need.
In addition to his parents, Cecil was preceded in death by three siblings, brother Burl Coursey, brother Leland Coursey, and an infant sister.
Left to carry on his legacy are his daughter, Shannon Marks and husband Ben of Vici; two sons, Todd Coursey of Woodward, and Terry Coursey and wife Lana of Mustang; four grandchildren, Paige Johnson of Sacramento, CA, Danielle Johnson of Ventura, CA, and Thomas "Tommy" Johnson, Jr. of Rio Linda, CA, Jeremie Coursey of Enid; brother Roger Coursey and wife Tommie Jean of Fayetteville, GA, sister Carol Coursey Dull and husband Don Trent of Vici, OK; nieces and nephews Chris Coursey and wife Christina of Eagle River, Alaska, Dru Miller and husband James of Boise, ID, Debra Coursey-Prah and husband Marty of Fayetteville, GA; Bonnie Coursey of Galt, California, Patricia Compton and husband Chris of Allen, Texas, Mark Coursey and wife Chris of Powder Springs, Georgia, and Jason Coursey, as well as several other relatives and friends.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Seiling Nursing Center, Vici Café, Marshall's Joint BBQ, and Panhandle Nutrition Center for all their help in caring for and feeding Cecil through his illness.
Memorial Donations may be made to the family through the Shaw Funeral Home at P.O. 276, Vici, OK 73859