Cecil LeRoy Hinshaw

On April 22,1941, Cecil Leroy Hinshaw was born on a small farm near Lenox, Iowa to Ron and Verlea (Larson) Hinshaw. He grew up surrounded by loving cousins and two doting sisters, Janet and Rhonda, whom he cherished dearly. He was the smartest kid in his class at his one room schoolhouse (where he was also the only) through 8th grade. In high school, he met a girl from nearby Diagonal, Iowa who became the love of his life and wife of 64 years. He married Barbara Stephens in 1960 and was welcomed by her large family. Barb’s 14 brothers and sisters, and later their spouses and children and grandchildren always treated him like another Stephen’s son. Cecil’s first daughter, Deborah (Moritz) was born in Des Moines, where he took a job in a new and burgeoning field as a computer analyst, a job which eventually took him to Denver, Colorado, Rockford, Il, and eventually, to all over the country as a contract analyst. His daughter, Jennifer (married to Robert Meinke) was born during the 15 years he lived in Denver. He loved living near the mountains and spent lots of time enjoying the outdoors fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, and rafting. He instilled in his children and grandchildren a love and respect for nature and the enjoyment of the outdoors. He spent his later years surrounded by beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren, both biological and those who became part of his family unofficially. Justin, Ashley, Allen, Emily, Bree, Libby, Alex, Laylah, Abby, Clay, Luke, Nichole, Walter, Madison, Bruce, Angie, Whitney, and Javier gave him love, respect, and infinite joy. He died peacefully on August 23, 2024 after a long illness. His love, patience, humor, and kindness will be missed by all. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Community Church of Diagonal, 400 Adams Street, Diagonal, Iowa 50845.