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BORN
1937
DIED
2008
Hugh Cheatham Obituary
Service: 11 a.m. Wednesday in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. The Rev. Joe Wilkerson will officiate. Visitation: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, where the family will be present 6 to 8 p.m.
Memorials: American Cancer Society; Covenant Hospice & Palliative Care, 3221 Collinswood St., Fort Worth; or Happy Hill Farm, Granbury.
Hugh was born June 12, 1937, in Washington County, Ky., to D.P. Cheatham and the late Marie Brewer Cheatham. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1955, Sullivan Business College in 1958 and joined the Air Force in 1958, retiring in 1987. He received many service medals, including Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal W/2DEV, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Readiness Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal W/7DEV, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon and Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon W/6DEV. He worked for American Airlines 1987 to 2003.
After retiring, his passion was working in the yard and garden and helping his neighbors when ever needed. Hugh will be missed by family, friends from American Airlines, friends and neighbors in Azle, where he lived for 24 years, and all friends and neighbors in Stone Glen at Fossil Creek, where he served as vice president of the Stoneglen Homeowners Association.
He was predeceased by his sister, Barbara Ann.
His family would like to offer special thanks to Dr. Mary Milan and staff, Dr. John Drew Pumphrey and staff, Dr. Richard Vigness and staff and the staff of Covenant Hospice Palliative Care.
Survivors: Beloved wife, Janice; daughter, Cindy Lorette (Mark); stepson, Rick Griffin (Vicky); grandchildren, Brian Thornton, Erica Griffin, twins, Ashley and Kimberly, Chance and Shilo Griffin; great-grandson, Christopher Griffin; siblings, Harold Cheatham (Lyndall), Nancy Jones, Charles Cheatham (Norma), Bobby Cheatham (Nancy, Wanda Harrell (Jim), David Cheatham (Sandy), Joseph Cheatham (Debbie) and Edith Maybody (Moshan); and many nieces and nephews.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Hugh Cheatham
Brenda (and Marion) BASH (maiden-Reynolds)
September 9, 2008
Janice, You are commented for being such a wonderful caring wife and nurse for the man of your life. I know you and Hugh shared many happy years together and you gave your unconditional love right to the end. You will always keep those priceless moments next to your heart as true love never fades. May God's blessings continue to be with you and your children as you keep Hugh's memories alive in your heart.
Hugh graduated with my brother, Ruel Reynolds, from SHS in Springfield, KY. Ruel went to his eternal home on August 13, 2008. Now Ruel and Hugh are together once again.
Linda McGough
August 25, 2008
It is so wonderful to read about Hugh and what a wonderful man he was to everyone in his life. I'm sorry I didn't get to meet him but I feel like I know him reading the guest book. May all the memories give you peace and joy Janice. God bless you.
Mark Lorette
August 24, 2008
Thanks so much for everything, Hugh. I remember one moment in specific that touched my heart. You and Janice helped Cindy and I move out of our apartment, move into a better one. Then after a few months, You and Janice moved us out of that apartment and helped us navigate through 3000 miles to yet another apartment. We will think of you always. Even more so when we move around the country.
This is one way you've impacted my life in a big way, as you did most people in your life. Peace and love to you always.
Your loving son-in-law,
Mark
david e. brown
August 18, 2008
Hello, Janice. Sorry to hear of Hugh's passing. I pray that you would be comforted in your grief and hopeful in the grace and knowledge that Jesus has prepared a room for him (and us). May God's peace and presence through the Holy Spirit bless you and all your family in these days.
Jane Hunt
August 17, 2008
Janice,
Linda forwarded the obituarty from Hugh's passing. I feel honored that I among the Brown kin was one of the few peple to have met Hugh. You will be in my thoughts and prayers in the future as they have been in the past. The loss of family is never easy but know that others are helping share that burden.
Your cousin,
Jane Cripps Hunt
RHONDA BROWN
August 16, 2008
DEAR AUNT JANICE
I AM SO SORRY HOW EVER KNOW THAT GOD WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU AND THAT HE LOVES YOU I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH
Joyce Lowry
August 14, 2008
Hugh,
You were the best brother - in-law ever.
I am going to miss you
Love You
Joyce
Michelle, Dr.Pumphrey, Dezi and the rest of the staff
August 13, 2008
Mrs. Cheatham
I was very sad to hear about the passing of Mr. Hugh Cheatham. He will be missed. Our condolences go to you and your family. He was a very pleasant man, always nice.
Cindy Lorette
August 12, 2008
My Dad-
Through the years of growing up, I have learned the blessings of true parents. The loving gentleness of my Mother who is nurturing and the best care taker any person could ever have the privilege of having her take care of them. She never complains as her uplifting spirit will leave you refreshed.
My Father came into my life when I was nine years old. He did his best to impress me as I was this timid little girl as I was only used to my Mother and brother.
Hugh's courage and patience persevered as I saw how he treated my Mother with kindness and showed me his curiosity for life. I became intrigued with this man and soon he became my Father. He loved to joke around and he and my Mother laughed alot. He taught me many things, was there for me during glorious moments, difficult times (teenage years), and we even had times we didn't see eye to eye. We however always in the end learned forgiveness. I feel so very blessed to have a Father as Hugh that took me in and taught me what is important in life, believed in me, and accepted my stubbornness as a gift.
I will always be proud of my Father for being who he was when I needed him.
I will always cherish the moments he thought of me. From the time he drove hours to get my horse from another part of Texas when I was kid to waiting hours to hold his Grandson just minutes old with tears of joy in his eyes. So many wonderful memories. Most of all in the last years I love what he did for me when I could not be home as I lived in another state and said to him I wish I could be there for Father's day, he said he would rather I be home for my Mom on her day and so when I sent flowers or what we would do, I would send money and he would go buy my Mom the flowers and take Mom to dinner for me. But my Dad would never cash the checks. He would say this is our gift to your Mom." I know you would be here if you could. Your mom is proud of you. I am proud of you" My Dad was always encouraging.
There are so many words I would love say, this is just a few I wanted to share of my life with my parents, my Dad. I grew up with many blessings.
I will always think about when I phone my Dad to tell him exciting news and he would listen patiently. I could just see his face beeming. I will keep these memories always ,we would share stories of our day and he would tell me how Mom is doing and how much he loves her and how she is taking care of him.He was always optimistic.
My Dad was so giving and left a legacy of love. I will miss you and Thank you for being in my life. I love you, Dad.
Cheryl Simenstad, RN
August 12, 2008
Mrs. Cheatham, Love you both . I will miss him--he was a very sweet man.
Vicki Dodson
August 11, 2008
Mrs. Cheatham, I am sorry to hear about Mr. Cheatham. He was a sweet and kind man. I know he will be missed. God bless you and the rest of your family
Vicki Dodson and Phil Guerieri (Allstate)
John & Linette Butler
August 11, 2008
Janice,
We are sorry for your loss.
Phyllis Stittle
August 10, 2008
Dear Janice,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I wish we were closer, as you know we would have been there with you. I am so greatful that my Dad was able to locate you and Hugh and that we were all able to spend a short time together in Cozad. The two of you are very special. We love you......Bob and Phyllis
Brian Thornton
August 10, 2008
Papa,
You know that I would have been there with you and Nana , but you know I was there with you in spirit.
We had alot of fun times together;The golf games and who could forget the lawnmower!, HaHa.
You have always been there with me every step of the way through the happy times and the sad times. Words cannot begin to explain how much that meant to me. I made a promise to you that I will conquer the world and this I will do. I will never let anything or anyone get the best of me. I may not be that good at writing letters, but when the pieces fit together, they fit like a glove. So in closing, I wrote this poem for you, my wonderful Grandfather.
I love you PaPa.
Your Loving Grandson,
Brian
"Champion"
My back may sometimes be against the ropes
I slip and feel like theres no search of hope
Deep inside I begin to think of you and I begin to wonder about what would you do
I mentally grow stronger each and every bright day because you taught me to never lose my way
The fire deep inside begins to grow evermore stronger
All my bad luck slips and cannot hold on no longer
I no longer begin to slowly loose sight of this Championship fight
When my mind connects deep into my soul and I begin to once feel whole
I'm never feeling down anymore
My life holds the keys to my futures store
It is then that I realize no matter what may happen I'm always a Champion
Brian Thornton August 2008
Erica Griffin
August 9, 2008
Hugh was my Grandfather, but he was more than just that. He was like a father to me. I joined the Airforce because I wanted be like him and have him be proud of me. Everything I do in my military career I do hoping it would be the way my Grandpa would do it and want it to be. He is the one man in my whole life who was whole heartedly 100% proud of me and had a faith in me that others might not always see. I am honored that for 27 years of my life he loved me truley and always will. I know he his looking down on me from heaven smiling and will always, ALWAYS love me. He was my Grandfather and I thankgod everyday of life for that and I thank god I got to say one last goodbye to him just days before he left this earth and went to heaven.
I love you always and forever my dear grandfather.
James Reddick
August 9, 2008
We were raised in the same area of Springfield, KY. Our paths thro the years have widened to great lengths but we still have sweet memories of growing up together. We now are great friends of Lyndel and Harolds here in Knoxville, TN.
Jim and Betty Reddick
Rhonda Witt
August 7, 2008
Hello Janice,
I don't know you personally, but I feel like I do. I work with Lyndall and know Harold from many of our company functions. Lyndall spoke very highly of you and Hugh on many occasions. I am very sorry for your loss. We went through this same journey just last year with my mother-in-law. I'm sure that Hugh is in a totally new body and in no pain or sorrow now. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Mary Ruth Lawler
August 6, 2008
Janice dear,
My thoughts have been with you all day today. I am so sorry to be away from home at this time. I did want you to know what a blessing you both have been to me. I only hope Hugh knew how much I appreciated his kindnesses to me in so many ways. A great handy man, a gardener, a paper boy, an all around wonderful neighbor. I know he will be missed by so many people because of his great integrity, kind and caring spirit to all who knew him. My love and prayers are with you dear Jan. God loves you and so do I!
Gail (Rankin) Hogue
August 6, 2008
Wanda,
So sorry to hear of your Fathers passing. I will have you in my thoughts.
Susan Brown
August 6, 2008
Aunt Janice, Uncle Hugh was always such a strong and confident man. I couldn't imagine him sick. I was afraid to see him sick. Then at the recent family reunion, I saw him...strong and confident as always. When we talked, he talked about not wanting to get your hopes up with this last treatment. His concern was for you, not for himself. He knew healing was ahead...whether in life or death. I am so sorry you are hurting right now, but thrilled to know that, through his faith in Jesus, Hugh is whole again. Piloting angels, praising God, and preparing a garden that would rival the Garden of Eden....with a water pond....for you to share with him again someday! Thank you for making him a very happy man!! We love you!! Larry, Susie, Heather & Adam
ann lawler
August 6, 2008
Janice and family,
Our family found angels when our Mother moved next door to Hugh and Janice. Hugh has been such a blessing to her, and we cannot put into words how much he has meant to our family. We are saddened to learn of his passing but with hope we can be assured we will meet again. We know Hugh's greatest honor and reward is eternal life in the presence of our Lord. He suffered greatly over the past year but always had a smile to share with those near. Hugh will be missed greatly by so many. He touched the hearts of people through his giving and his gentle sweet presence.
May God's peace and blessings be with you all...
Love,
The Lawler Family
Elaine Ilari
August 6, 2008
Aunt Janice,
I am so sorry that I was not able to be with you at this time. Uncle Hugh was a special person and he will be greatly missed. Knowing he's with Jesus makes it less painful. Can you imagine how good he feels? I love you and I'm praying for you.
Lt. Col. (Ret) Norman Hythecker
August 6, 2008
To Hugh's family and friends,
I worked with Hugh for several years in the Air Force. He was one of the most dedicated professionals I have ever known. I especially appreciated how he took care of all of us officers. It is true that a good first shirt runs a good organization, and Hugh was the best. He will be sorely missed. God Bless and May Hugh Rest in Peace.
Edgar L. Bornmann
August 5, 2008
Hugh was a professional in every way. I enjoyed 5 years with him in CFIC. Off duty he would help you any way he could. I am proud to call him a friend.
Ed Bornmann Plain Dealing, La.
Molly Yankey Lyon
August 5, 2008
Hugh Palmer was a great friend from High School in Springfield, Ky. and a super nice guy. My thoughts and prayers are with Janice and his family.
JAMES MARTONE
August 5, 2008
As one of Hugh’s many students and colleagues at the AA Flight Academy, I can tell you he was one of the best instructors I have ever known. But even more important, he was one of the finest people I have had the pleasure of knowing. Your loss, is felt and shared by more than you know. May God care for Hugh in his eternal reward.
Harv Keyes
August 5, 2008
To Hugh's family, our prayers are with you. CFIC was the best job of my AF career thanks to being able to work with Hugh.
Harv Keyes and Guy Lowery
Gary Christensen
August 5, 2008
Although I didn't work directly with Hugh at American, I worked in the same building and we had the AF and SAC in common. I knew him as a man of integrity and class. He was an outstanding instructor who supported his fleet in a superb manner. I will always remember our greetings to one another in the hallways of the Flight Academy. God's peace to Hugh's family.
David Hartford
August 5, 2008
Hugh was a pleasure to be around. He had a great sense of humor and was always ready to help me out to keep the training lessons current.
My condolences to all of his family.
God bless you all,
JOYCE BIRD
August 5, 2008
I MET MR CHEATHAM AT BAYLOR AND I SORRY TO HEAR OF HIS PASSING. MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH THE FAMILY
Jim Threet
August 5, 2008
We only met Hugh and Janice two years ago at the Inflight Refueling Reunion. The first meeting was as though you had known them a life time, what pleasent folks to know and visit with. He's now at rest with no more pain, we'll meet again Hugh and have lot's of time to discuss some of those missions of yore.
On behalf of all his former Crew Members and Students as an Air Force Boom Operator I leave this;
"THE BOOM OPERATOR"S PRAYER"
May the Weather be smooth and the Bow Wave be Slight, May the Receptical be large and have a Plethora of Light. May Cargo not be Aboard, May we never have to use the Parachute Rip-cord, This We ask from the Power Above, Just let us do what all Boomer's love, To Direct the Boom with Precision, and a touch that is Slight to get the Customer Enough Gas to Finish Their ~ Flight or to put it simply so we can just Illuminate the "Boom Engaged Light"
Rest In Pease Hugh,
Jim And Mary Threet
Ruel and Shirley Cheatham
August 5, 2008
Hugh was a special friend and cousin. It was wonderful to visit with him at the recent reunion. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jock Bethune
August 4, 2008
God bless you, Hugh!
Thanks for all the good work you did for us at the American Airlines Flight Academy and for your friendship!
Ann Faye Sallee
August 4, 2008
Was so sorry to hear about Hugh Palmer. We were in school at the same time he was 2 yrs. younger than me. I know all his family and they are good friends. My prayers are with you and the family.
Arthur Brasfield
August 4, 2008
I've worked with Hugh from 1997 until he left American in 2003. He was and still is an inspiration to me and I'm sure to others. He will be forever missed. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.
Faye and Vernon Moore
August 4, 2008
Wish we could be with you. Thinking of you and remembering you in our prayers.
Jimmie Grigsby
August 4, 2008
very sorry to hear of Palmers' death. He was a very dear cousin and we loved him very much. We will be keeping the family in our prayers.
Sheila Terrell Wimsatt
August 4, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of Hugh Palmer's passing. I am a friend of the family here in Kentucky. His father and my mother are good friends. They are wonderful people and they are all in my prayers. God Bless you all.
Margaret Johnson
August 4, 2008
Graduated in 1955 from Springfield High in Springfield, KY with Hugh.
Great guy... glad he found Janice.
Hazel W. and Tom Johnson
Claudella Forrest
August 4, 2008
To Hugh's family "God bless each of you during this time of sorrow. I went to High school with Hugh; he was a good person. I wish I could have known him in the past years.
Claudella Lloyd Forrest
John Quinn
August 4, 2008
Hugh was the finest people in life, and you knew it after talking to him for just a short tme. He was just the kind of person that had that effect on everyone he met.
Our prayers are with you,
Sidney Achee
August 4, 2008
Hugh was a true friend and a wonderful neighbor--he will be missed May the winds always be tail winds,and the weather fair,and may you fly through the air without a care--Gods speed and happy landing-my friend
Mike and Lisa Shultz
August 4, 2008
Hugh was a man of character and grace. A man with a quiet, yet profound, belief in God and a sincere desire to execute that faith daily. Our memories of him will be of his warm smile, sparkling blue eyes and generous heart.
Bill & Lola Morrison
August 4, 2008
Janice and family, we all share your
grief over the loss of Hugh. He fought such a courageous fight. He was indeed a very kind and gentle man. A better neighbor we could not ask for. We will, as will the entire neighborhood, miss him so much. God bless you all.
Gloria Seidel
August 4, 2008
Hugh was always so pleasant to everyone and totally dedicated to his students or whatever task he was assigned. A real roll model.
Felix Korfanty
August 4, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I was stationed with Hugh at Barksdale AFB in the 70's. We pulled alert duty and many TDY's together. The last time we met was at the IFR Association meeting in Austin. Hugh was an outstanding individual on and off duty. He is in my thoughts and prayers.
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