Ralph Edward "Eddie" Cheatham, 70, of Tuttle, Oklahoma, passed away June 19th, 2024, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with Heart Failure. He was born in McAlester Oklahoma, to Carl Gordon Cheatham and Betty Maxine (Enis) Cheatham on July 14th, 1953. He grew up in Talihina, Oklahoma with his one sister, working on the family ranch. He attended Talihina High School (class of 1971), where he developed lifelong friendships and an appreciation for learning Agriculture and Mechanics from his Father (Agricultural Education Instructor). His childhood was an idyllic time in his life, which he recalled fondly.

He attended Oklahoma State University School of Technical Training in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Once completing his technical training in Diesel & Heavy Equipment Mechanics, He started his Career with Cummins Sales & Service in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Here he met more lifelong friends, including Regina Ann (Hasley) Cheatham, his wife of 45 years (married March 9th, 1979).

He enjoyed being a diesel engine mechanic for Cummins for 15 years until his first heart surgery. After experiencing health issues, he moved his family back to Talihina, where he worked at Talihina Public Schools for 27 years before retiring in 2017. He took enjoyment in a nice set of cows and working on the family ranch. He was a great steward for agriculture as he was taught by his Father, and carried the strong work ethics and pride that he was taught at an early age by working with his role model.

While he enjoyed the ranch, he loved spending time at the lake, hunting, and time with his family, which he loved dearly. After selling the family ranch in 2019, his hobbies changed due to his health. With a heart of mechanics, he had a vision to restore a 1972 Yamaha motorcycle which he completed after 3 years of diligent work. It was an accomplishment of a lifetime for him.

He was a devoted father and grandfather, and friend to many. He looked forward to visits from his family and friends and instilled in them a love for ranch life and mechanics. He had an amazing memory, and told entertaining stories, sometimes with a hint of sarcasm.

He is survived by his loving wife, Regina Ann (Hasley) Cheatham; children, John (Brian) Cheatham, and wife Amy of Bixby, Oklahoma, and Chris R. Cheatham of Tuttle, Oklahoma; grandchildren: Laiken Cheatham and Gage Cheatham.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Gordon and Betty Maxine (Enis) Cheatham, and sister Pam (Cheatham) Burnett.