Donald Cheatham

Donald L. Cheatham, 81, passed away on Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at his home in Moro.He was born February 13, 1936, in Herrin, Illinois, the son of Delbert and Gertrude (Wyatt) Cheatham.Donald married Linda Melvin on June 3, 1956, in Kentucky. She survives.He was a veteran of the National Guard.Donald worked as an electrician for Laclede Steel prior to retirement. He enjoyed fishing, wood working, and spending time with his family. He also enjoyed blue grass and country music and could play the lap steel guitar, dobro guitar, and regular six string guitar. He was an avid St. Louis Blues fan and had coached high school hockey.In addition to his wife, survivors include his children, Randy and Patty Cheatham of Brighton, Rhonda Simmons of Mt. Vernon, Kevin and Lisa Cheatham of Lake St. Louis, MO, Kyle and Kelly Cheatham of Edwardsville; grandchildren, Reggie Gillen, Angie and Mark Link, Ryan Simmons, Bethany Simmons, Zach, Ashley and Bailey Cheatham, Kylie and Jacob Wells, Katy, Kolby and Kale Cheatham; great grandchildren, Hope, Keaton, Kamryn, Cora, Gavin, Ryker, Seann; and two siblings, Jerry and Treva Cheatham of Indianapolis, and Rosalie and Ralph Pierce of Johnson City, IL.He was preceded in death by his parent; two brothers, Troy Cheatham and Arbie Cheatham; one sister, Betty Ferrell; and a beloved nephew, Denny Simpson.Visitation will be from 3 until time of service 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 28, 2017, at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto with Rev. Tom Asbury officiatingA graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 30, 2017, at Denning Cemetery in West Frankfort, Illinois.Memorials may be made to The Fourteen Fund (St. Louis Blues Cancer Foundation).An online condolence and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com

Obit Provided By:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home