Joseph Robert Cheatham, Jr.

Joseph Robert "Joe" Cheatham, Jr. passed away May 18, 2020. He was the son of Joseph Robert Cheatham, Sr. and Audry Wright. Joe was born June 13th, 1934 at the home of his grandmother, Eva (Holman) Cheatham, on Summit Street in Martin, TN. After graduating from Martin High School, he attended the University of Kentucky for a year. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in November 1953, served for 21 1/2 years, and retired July 1, 1975 at Fort Benjamin Harrison, IN with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer, W4. He served three overseas tours in Germany, one in Korea, and two in the Republic of Vietnam during his military service. Among his awards are the Legion of Merit and two Bronze Stars. Following retirement from the U.S. Army, he was employed as a Department of the Army Civilian at Fort Benjamin Harrison and for a short time at Fort Jackson, SC where he retired in February 1996 after 20-years of service as an Education Specialist.

He is a graduate of Marion College and Indiana State University. He was a member of the Lawrence United Methodist Church, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 261, and American Legion Post 495.

He is survived by his wife, Lieselotte "Lilo" nee Hermann, children Raymond Joseph, Sharon Lynn Thomas, and Deanna Gail Caudell; six grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and siblings, James Halfrey Cheatham, Bettie Ruth Goss, and Ronald Wright Cheatham. His brothers, Arthur Boyd Cheatham, Larry Randolph Cheatham, and a sister, Eva Gene "Jean" McCollum, preceded him in death.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 30, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Bell Mortuary & Crematory, Shangrila Chapel, 1444 West US Hwy 52, Fountaintown, IN 46130. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at the mortuary. Officiating will be Rev. Danny Thomas.

Online condolences can be made at www.bellmortuary.com