Russell L. Cheatham, 67, of East Peoria, died at 7:16 a.m. Tuesday Nov. 10, 2009, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Born June 29, 1942, in Peoria to William R. and Mildred I. (Withrow) Cheatham, he first married Cathy German in Peoria. He later married Donna J. (Cummins) Simpson Oct. 20, 1990, in East Peoria.

She survives.

Also surviving are two sons: Steven Cheatham of Pine Bluff, Ark.; Timothy Cheatham of Pekin; five grandchildren; and one sister, Bonnie Cooke of Bensalem, Penn.

He was preceded in death by one son, David R. Cheatham, and one brother, Dale F. “Butch” Cheatham.

He was a Navy Vietnam War Veteran. He was a Machine Repairman for Caterpillar Inc. for 30 years, retiring in 2002. He was a member of the UAW Local 974, Washington American Legion Post 100, and was also a member of the East Peoria First Baptist Church and its Dart Ball League.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at the First Baptist Church in East Peoria. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services Saturday at the church. Military rites will be performed following the services. Remmert Funeral Home in East Peoria is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Memorial Fund.

Online tributes may be made at www.Remmertfuneralhome.com.