Cecil was born December 17,1927, to the parents of Henry and Izetta

Harden. He grew up in a family of twelve children. He was preceded in

death by both parents, ten of his siblings, his wife Sarah and daughter

Brenda.

He attended Sumner High School in Kansas City, KS. Cecil had a very

strong work ethic and always had at least 3 jobs. He started out working as

a taxi driver and then went on to work in some of the local meat packing

companies. After high School he pursued an electronic trade and received

on-the-job training which later led to him opening his own business, Cee's

Radio and T.V. Service, a radio and T.V. repair shop.

At the same time, he was setting up Sound equipment for some of the local

concerts, such as the Kool Jazz Festival. He loved music, especially the

Blues. His favorite Bules artist was Buddy Guy. He also managed a band

and a trio for several years. He began working at GM in 1964 until

retirement in 1988.

On June 12, 1947, he married Sarah Bernice Kinslow

and to this union two children were born, Maureen and Brenda.

One of his most memorable jobs he often talked about was driving a

limousine. He first worked for a private company and later went on to

purchase his own limo. He often told stories about the entertainers he

transported such as Ashford & Simpson, Lionel Richie, Elton John, Mavis

Staples, and Luther Vandross. His most memorable person that he

transported was Michael Jackson during the Jackson 5's Victory Tour in

July 1984. He drove the limo for several years. He loved sharing his brief

case filled with numerous backstage passes and mementos.

Many did not know that Cecil was an avid bird watcher. He had a bird

house in his backyard where he would spend hours watching the activity of

various birds.

Cecil departed this life on Monday, April 1, 2024, at home surrounded by

family.

He leaves to cherish his loving memories his beloved daughter; Maureen

Dykes, KC, MO; brother Harold Harden, KC, MO; two granddaughters,

Kandace Grant (Steven), Independence, MO; Janeen Hutchinson

(Maurice), KC, MO; great-granddaughter Aumariece Sherman, KC, MO

and a host of family and friends.