June 25, 1999
It is with regret that we note the passing away of Cecil Ernest Hultz this past Monday, June 14, 1999. His death was the result of a massive heart attack brought about from the ravages of Diabetes.
The Hultz lifeline began in Africa where their tribal ancestors originated. In the memories of the family, it is said that their African ancestors were captured somewhere along the African Gold Coast by Slave Traders and brought to the United States in chains. They were sold into slavery in an area known as Callaway County now, called Boonsville, Missouri. They were made slaves on a 23,000 acre farm that was owned by German migrants. Their name: HULTZ. When slavery ended. The slaves took the name of the owner. They knew no other. Until the Hultz moved into Kansas their whole American experience had been on the Hultz farm.
Cecil Ernest Hultz's road to San Diego begun in Kansas City Missouri where he was born in 1919. His father William Hultz and mother Henrietta Washington were his proud parents. Missouri, however was not a hotbed of employment They knew they would have to go where they could provide for their children. They returned to Lawrence, Kansas where there were better opportunities. In those days, Missouri was still having trouble shaking its image as a former `slave-state.' Black families were treated rather poorly. They lived segregated and racism was prevalent. Kansas on the other hand had been a `free -state.' Cecil's parents felt their son would have a better chance in life by their moving to Lawrence, Kansas.
At first, the family did well but then the depression came to Kansas and the rest of the United States. Like all other working class citizens, they struggled to feed and cloth their children. To make ends meet, Mama found a job working at the University of Kansas as a cook. There were times that this was the only income they had. Kansas City Mo. was much like Lawrence, Kansas... Wheat & corn were king. The only work available for Blacks was working in the farms. When they could get it .
Cecil Hultz, in spite of being poor, continued with his education. His mother insisted on it! He attended Lincoln Elementary, Lawrence Jr. High and graduated from Liberty Memorial High School May 28, 1937. Cecil was the first in the family lineage to have ever graduated from High School. Oftentimes rabbit steak, which had been running wild earlier in the day, would be his only meal of the day. He worked before school and after school, on weekends and wherever he could get work. Cecil was learning the work ethic out of the need to survive. Later he would pass that work ethic, that he learned during the depression, to his children. Cecil Hultz starred in track and field and because of that, he was offered a scholarship to Xavier College. Alas young Hultz had other plans... love had entered into his heart and instead he chose to marry a young lady by the name of Erma M. James! The year: 1939.
Having experienced the segregated public schools and facilities in Missouri and the same situation in Kansas, Hultz decided to move all the way to the West Coast where he had been informed that Blacks could make a better life for themselves. In 1940, the family moved to Los Angeles. After one year in Los Angeles, the decision was made to move to San Diego. Bad timing! World War II broke out! He answered the call of his country and served in the United States Navy. He was honorably discharged in 1946.
After his discharge, Cecil Hultz worked for 44 years at Convair and 39 years at Walker Scotts simultaneously. The lessons from the depression were deeply ingrained in his memory and he wanted to assure that none of his children or family would ever have to suffer like he did. Cecil retired in 1986 at the age of 67. From there on he enjoyed life as God had meant it to be enjoyed!
Life, however, was to deal him one more cruel blow. Shortly after his retirement, he was diagnosed with having Diabetes. His life thereafter revolved over taking Insulin shots, medications, and hospital sessions. Eventually, diabetes brought about the loss of his toes then his right leg. The loss of his leg, which was amputed below the knee, caused him to suffer a coronary occlusion that caused him to suffer a major heart attack ending his life.
Cecil Ernest Hultz was preceded in death by his wife, Erma M. Hultz in 1987. He is survived by his sons: William, Maurice, and Cecil, Grandaughters: Kim Reed, Darcy, Rutledge, Rachael, Becky, April, Kyra, & Victoria. Grandsons: William, Marcquis, Marcus, Michael and Cecil. Great Grand Son: Spencer Reed II; Great Grand Daughters: Brooklyn, Kiley Rutledge, and Isla Reed; Morgan de Mouchet , Ashely Hultz-Mencias, Los Angeles; Niece, Sharon Copeland.
Mr. Cecil Ernest Hultz was Entombed at Cypress View Mausoleum.
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