PALMYRA - Cecil Kershner, Jr., 79, passed away unexpectedly Monday, December 23, 2019 at Eastern Maine Medical Center surrounded by his close family. He was born April 19, 1940 in Westbrook the son of Cecil and Helen (Myrick) Kershner, Sr. He grew up in Plymouth with his parents and two sisters, Betty and Doreen. Cecil graduated from Newport High School where he played basketball and baseball. After high school he joined the Army guard and shortly after met the love of his life. He married his wife of 57 years in 1962 and two years later welcomed their first daughter Sandy. Less than a year later they welcomed their son Cecil. After moving to Connecticut to take a job at Pratt and Whitney their youngest daughter Tracey was born. Palmyra would become their home where they raised their three children followed by eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Cecil worked until the age of 68 for H. E. Sargent but even after retiring continued to work for multiple people doing private jobs and operating equipment which he enjoyed. Cecil was a member of the Palmyra Snowmobile Club and Meridian Lodge 125 AF & AM in Pittsfield. He was a valued member of the Palmyra community where he enjoyed cooking for functions and helping in any way he could. Cecil loved staying busy and being outside. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and taking care of his barn animals and taught his kids and grandkids to love them as well. He loved his family and was his happiest when they were all together. Cecil is survived by his wife Carole Kershner of Palmyra; sisters Betty Shaw of Middletown, CT and Doreen Shaw of Tolland, CT; Brothers-in-law and their wives Richard Gordon and Annette of Monroe, Skip Gordon and Helen of Ripley, and Mike Gordon and Mary of Canaan; many nieces and nephews that he cared about deeply; daughter Sandy Myers and husband Rick of Pittsfield; son Cecil "Buddy" Kershner and wife Karey of Newport; daughter Tracey Cooley and husband Kevin of Pittsfield; grandchildren, Amanda Petersen and husband Patrick of Kennebunk, Holly Kiidli and husband Taavet of Augusta, Nicole Kershner of Augusta, Cecil Kershner of Bangor, Kalee Kershner of Newport, Noah Kershner of Newport and girlfriend Hannah, and Grace and Alex Cooley of Pittsfield; great grandchildren Cadence, Abby, Jaidon, Evelyn, Katie and Nya; and special pets Sam and barn cat Duffy. Cecil was predeceased by his brother-in-law Martelle Gordon of Benton; brother-in-law Tom Shaw of Middletown, CT; nephew Andy Gordon of NJ; grandson Nathaniel Kershner, and granddaughter Roslyn Kershner. A celebration of life will be held on the 4th of July weekend at Cecil and Carole's house. Details to follow in the coming months. In lieu of flowers our family has asked for donations to the horse rescue stated below. Cecil loved his horses and farm animals very much and would help them in any way possible. Please follow the link below to make a donation and keep his love of horses alive. Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals: https://www.msspa.org/match/ Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal, Newport.