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TERRE HAUTE —
Cecil Alva Tilford, 87, born June 25, 1925, in Fontanet, son of Alfred and Mabel Tilford, one of 10 children, has joined the love of his whole life, Doris G. Harbrueger Tilford, having told his mother in the first grade that he was going to marry Doris.
Enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on his 17th birthday. He was a radioman, torpedo bomber and tailgunner who came home to marry Doris, having two sons, and going to work for Woolworth and Company moving every two years, he managed stores throughout the Illinois and Indiana area. In 1958 they moved to Louisville, Ky., where he and Doris worked for the Kling Company, a wholesale provider of variety items. In 1968 fulfilling a dream of owning their own store, they opened Tilford’s Variety on Lafayette Avenue in Twelve Points. Settled in a neighborhood with a post office it became the hubbub of the area. Cecil served lifelong as president of Twelve Points Business Association and retired at age 85. He was honored with the title of Mayor of Twelve Points that local citizens had bestowed upon him many who grew up coming in his store as children.
Left to cherish his memory are sons, David (Susan) and Tim; grandchildren, Shelley (Duane), Stephanie (Devin), Scott (Leah), and Conor; great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Kole, Kyla, Klayton, Ezra, and Lion; niece, Chris Harkes Barberry, the daughter he never had; loving brother, Ken (Ramona); lifelong friend, Morrie Harkes (Ada Doris sister).
He was loved by all and he loved so so many.
Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012, in Cottrell-Gooch Funeral Home, 287 N. Main St., in Rosedale, with his brother, the Rev. Ken Tilford officiating. Burial will follow with military graveside honors by Rosedale American Legion Tony Kashon Post 290 in Rosedale Cemetery. Visitation is 5 to 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Friends may sign an online guest register at:
www.goochfuneralhome.com
