Cecil Warren Kahla, 83, of Galveston passed away on February 19, 2014 at UTMB after losing his battle with cancer. Born in Galveston, September 6, 1930 and raised in Pt. Bolivar on his family’s farm by his parents, Frank and Lillie Kahla, he was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and proud veteran.

He graduated from Ball High School and went to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in 1949. He married the love of his life, Marguerite Doherty, on June 25, 1950. In 1952 he was drafted and honorably served as a Marine in the Korean War. He was a Purple Heart recipient. He returned to the telephone company until he retired from AT&T in 1989 after 40 years of service.

His pride as a Marine Corps veteran and member of the Veterans of Foreign War eventually led to him serving his fellow veterans as Commander of VFW Post 880 for 12 years. He enjoyed and took pride in his volunteerism, especially placing flags on veteran’s graves each year. He received many honors including being named All American Commander in 2009. He was a member of American Legion Post 20 and VFW Dickinson Post #6378.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Parish and a life member of the Knights of Columbus. During his life he enjoyed spending time camping each summer with family and friends, fishing, Nascar watching the Astros and spoiling his 3 granddaughters.

Cecil was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Marguerite; his parents; brothers, Frank and Benny; and sisters, Evelyn Mardis, Ethel Rodriguez, Eloise Bouse, and Ida Harding.

He is survived by his three children: daughter, Peggy Kahla Shamburger and husband Kyle, of Deer Park; sons, Steve Kahla and wife Therese, of Lake Jackson; and Bruce Kahla of Galveston; three granddaughters Amber and Elissa Kahla and Kayla Shamburger; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cecil’s family will receive visitors at Malloy & Son Funeral Home on Sunday, February 23rd at 5:00 p.m. A memorial service will conclude the evening at 6:30 p.m.

Funeral mass will be 10:00 am, Monday, February 24th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with family friend, Father Troy Gately, as Celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Larry Gillaspia, Dan Gillaspia, Allen Westmoreland, Tom Dispensa, Rey Soto and Ron Venable. Honorary pallbearers are Ray Westmoreland, Horace Norris, George Garris, Eddie Janek, Clifford Reed and John Gondesen.

Memorials may be made to Ronald McDonald House of Galveston, 301 N.14th St. Galveston, TX 77550, in Cecil’s name.