On June 18, 2025, Cecil Gladwyn Lumsden, 97, a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away at his home surrounded by loved ones.
Cecil was born May 10, 1928, to R. Benjamin and Gladys Kube Lumsden of Rhoadesville, Virginia, the third of four children. He always prided himself on growing up on the farm and walking uphill to and from school, both ways, in the snow, with no shoes. (Mine Run Elementary and Unionville High School). As a teenager, he became a member of the 4H club and the Future Farmers of America.
As an adult, he enjoyed farming, family, friends, dogs, gardening, traveling, remodeling and upgrading older homes. On March 22, 1950, Cecil married the love of his life, Lorene Breeden Lumsden. He graduated from Virginia Tech in 1953 with a degree in agricultural economics. He worked for the US Federal Government for 32 years. He was also a World War II Veteran, serving in the Philippines.
He is survived by his sister Alva Rhea Lumsden Cooper, his four children, Connie Lumsden Jensen (husband, Dan Null), Carol Lumsden Denning (Dale), Cecilia Lumsden Sinclair (husband, Bruce Finney) and Robert Cecil “Pete“ Lumsden (wife, Denise Lumsden), 5 grandchildren: Matthew (Lauren) and Timothy (Emily) Sinclair, Eric (Angie) and Bailey Jensen, and Brooke Hill (Brad) and 14 great grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorene, with whom her 2 sisters, Gloria Craun and Brenda Crooker he remained close. Preceding Cecil in death also were his two brothers, Roy and Maxey Lumsden, and many friends.
One of his favorite stories to tell was the fact that he had two birthdays because by the time the doctor got to the farm it was May 12, which he put on his birth certificate. His Mom knew better and changed it to May 10 which was the day he was born.
Funeral services will be held on June 26, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Salem United Methodist Church, 28123 Constitution Hwy, Rhoadesville, Virginia, with a visitation for family and friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Salem United Methodist Church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Salem United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund will be appreciated.
Please wear your favorite Virginia Tech attire or your favorite farming/gardening clothes to celebrate Cecil’s life.
