Cecil Leon Breeding passed away peacefully at sunrise on December 25, 2009 at his home in Vichy after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was 65.
Cecil was born October 17, 1944 to Howard and Emaline (Hodge) Breeding.  He attended grade school in Vichy and graduated from Rolla High School in 1962. He served in the United States Army, stationed in Germany, until being honorably discharged in 1970. He was united in marriage on December 29, 1982 to Diane Vena of Rolla.  He was a member of the Vichy Community Church.  He worked nearly his entire career in the car business in and around the Rolla area until his retirement from Fairgrounds Chevrolet. Following his retirement he found great joy in spending time with his wife, family and friends and in working with his cattle and horses on the family farm where he lived almost his entire life.
He was preceded in death by his father, Howard Breeding in 2004; his mother Emaline Snodgrass in 2003; his step-father, Leonard Snodgrass in 1982 and an infant brother, Howard Lou Breeding in 1942.
Those left to mourn the passing include his wife Diane (Toni) Breeding, of the home; sons Leon Heide and wife, Mary, of Kansas, Shawn Breeding and wife, Ronna, of Vichy, Mark Vena of Vichy, and Jay Barr of St. James.  He is also survived by his grandchildren Dalton, Josie and Austin Breeding, Alison Avery, Chelsea Vena, Katelyn Moylan-Heide, Liza Heide and Logan Barr.
Visitation for family and friends was held from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. on Sunday, December 27 at James & Gahr Mortuary in Rolla. Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Monday, December 28, 2009 at James & Gahr Mortuary in Rolla with Rev. Gary Lane and Rev. Terry Brady officiating.  Burial will be in the family plot at the Macedonia Cemetery in rural Phelps County.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Phelps County Hospice or the Vichy Community Church.  Cards are available at all James & Gahr locations.
For online condolences please visit www.jamesgahrmortuary.com.
All arrangements are under the direction of James & Gahr Mortuary of Rolla, Missouri.