Richard Owen Cheadle

Richard Owen (Dick) Cheadle, 88, of Burke, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home on December 3rd under hospice care while listening to his favorite folk music CD with his beloved wife, Brenda, by his side.

Dick was born in Montclair, NJ, to the late Richard Harold and Jessie French Cheadle. He grew up in Queens, NY, and made lifelong friends there with whom he kept in close touch throughout his lifetime. He graduated from The University of Delaware, majoring in history and English, where he was captain of the swim team and a member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. The highlight of his college years was meeting his future wife (of 64 years), Brenda Davis, when he crashed her Freshman Mixer. They married shortly after graduation.

On September 1st, 1961, Dick knocked on the door of the U.S. Border Patrol station in Mercedes, TX and reported for duty, ready, willing and able. He was drafted into the Army (24th Infantry) and received a scotch-taped New York City subway token in the draft notice, mailed to him in Texas. During his service he was stationed in Germany, where Brenda joined him, and he was a member of a folk trio that travelled performing for the troops. Following military service, he returned to Eagle Pass, TX, and spent 5 years as a Border Patrol Agent. In 1969, Dick began his 22 year career with the US Secret Service and travelled the world serving on the Presidential Detail under Presidents Nixon, Ford, and Carter. He joined Richard Nixon on his historic trip to China, attended The Moscow Summit, and protected Gerald R Ford during an assassination attempt in San Francisco, which landed him in Time Magazine and many newspapers. He always made an effort to bring back a set of twin dolls from each country for his young twin daughters.

In 1977 Dick transferred to the San Antonio, TX, field office and the family enjoyed many happy years living there with great friends and neighbors, returning to Virginia in 1984. Upon retirement from the Secret Service, Dick accepted a position with the Department of Veterans Affairs and enjoyed his last years in Federal Law Enforcement. He then spent over 20 years at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University where he taught history classes, led trips to national parks, founded the conversational Spanish club, learned Italian, and shared his love of singing.

Dick thoroughly enjoyed competing in Masters Swimming and Police Olympics into his 70s, where he made lifelong friends and memories. He was an avid history buff and loved traveling to the national parks and battlefields. His love for music and playing his guitar continued throughout his life. Dick was a sports fan and enjoyed cheering on his beloved Pittsburg Steelers, Philadelphia Phillies, and Boston Celtics. He had a true servant's heart and dedicated his adult life to service and to his family and friends. His gratitude was endless and he found reasons to give thanks even when the situations weren't optimal. He had a playful spirit and contagious sense of humor that never dimmed and will be remembered fondly. In his final weeks, Dick said, "It's been a good run." and it most certainly was.

Dick loved his family dearly and is survived by his loving wife Brenda Rae Cheadle; daughters Jennifer Mueller von Blumencron (Othmar) and Jessica Johnson (Christian); grandchildren Chloe Johnson, Maxime Mueller von Blumencron, and Aiden Mueller von Blumencron; sister-in-law Diana Davis; brother-in-law Jim Davis (Estera Gordon); and many cherished longtime friends.

Dick's final resting place will be at Arlington National Cemetery among his fellow servicemen. Memorial services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Fairfax Presbyterian Church, 10723 Main Street, Fairfax, VA 22030. (https://www.fairfaxpresbyterian.org/give-now)