Cecil Thomas DeMondrun

Cecil Thomas DeMonbrun passed away peacefully at home on November 6, 2025, following a brief illness. He was born in Lucedale, Mississippi on June 3, 1940, to Jerrold and Ofa DeMonbrun. He attended the University of Alabama and played trumpet and baritone horn in the Million Dollar Band where he also met his wife, Sara (who passed away January 22, 2025). Cecil was a lifelong Bama fan and enjoyed watching the games on television and cheering on the Crimson Tide. Although his early years were spent working in sales, photography occupied most of his professional life. While working full-time as a school photographer, Cecil went back to school and earned his Bachelor of Science degree from The University of South Alabama, at the ripe old age of fifty. He went on to work over ten years as a Personnel Training Coordinator at Destin Walmart before he retired in August 2022.

Following his retirement, Cecil was a caregiver for his wife, Sara, during her long struggle with Parkinson’s until she passed in January 2025. He was a member of the Anglican faith and served as Senior Warden at Resurrection Anglican Church, Shalimar, Florida. Cecil is remembered as always being a happy and caring person, full of love. He was easily moved to tears at the sight of a beautiful sunset or when listening to beautiful music. He was an avid reader and was never without his Kindle Fire.

Cecil is survived by his son, Tom DeMonbrun and Tom's wife, Nancy; daughter, Donna DeMonbrun Sincox and Donna's husband, Tony Sincox; granddaughters, Emily (Emmett) DeMonbrun, Mckinley and Ali DeMonbrun; and grandson, David DeMonbrun, David's wife, Katie and great-grandchildren, Savy and Kes DeMonbrun. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Helen Roose; his brother-in-law, Ted Roose and Ted's wife, Donna; nieces, Bethany Roose and Leigh (Will) Wheeler; and nephews, Rob Roose, and Tad (Gina) Roose, and their children, Will and Laura. Cecil was predeceased by his wife, Sara; his parents, Jerrold and Ofa DeMonbrun; and brother, Jan DeMonbrun.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers of Visiting You Senior Home Care, and the very caring staff of Vitas Hospice Care. They would also like to thank the numerous doctors and nurses that provided care for him over the last several months. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Cecil’s name may be made to SOCKS (Save Our Cats and Kittens) Fort Walton Beach, FL.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, in the Chapel of Davis Wakins Funeral Home with Right Reverend Bishop Martyn Minns officiating and Acolyte, Rachel Minns assisting. The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Davis Watkins Funeral Home Chapel.

Pallbearers are Tom DeMonbrun, Tony Sincox, Ted Roose, Mike Sanders, Jackie Benton, Harry Futch, Hinton Lampley and Ron Kisler, and the pianist is Jackie Hails.

Following the interment at Beal Memorial Cemetery, there will be a shared dish reception at Davis Watkins Funeral Home.