David Cheatem was born Thursday, December 23, 1948 in Chicago, Illinois several months after the initial Arab-Israeli war under President Harry S. Truman.

David was born to Orange and Martha Cheatem, being the third child of his father's 15 children.  He received the majority of his education in Chicago, Illinois until his family moved to Kansas City, Mo in 1965. A year later, David graduated from Southeast High School, C/O 66. In 1969, he joined the army as a radio operator. David was contracted for 6 years of service but was honorably discharged in January 1971. He received the National Defense Service Medal for his service in the Vietnam War and his heroic act involving a grenade. From his occupation in the army, he took that knowledge to land himself a job at IBM when he returned home.  There, his enormous love for computers started to grow.

He met the love of his life, Michelle Darthard, in 1972 and they were married on Sat. Aug. 10th, 1974.  Just moving along in life, the couple welcomed their first child in 1976; a son, JACHIN ADLAI.

Throughout his life, David enjoyed many hobbies.  Fishing, trainsets, building race cars, playing with racetracks, video games, movies, flying kites, building computers, football, dancing, music & spending time with his family.

However, his love for Christ was palpable. David gave his life to Christ in 1977 and was forever changed. Following faith, family, and church, he relocated his wife and son to Des Moines Iowa.  There, the couple welcomed their second child in May of 1982, a daughter, JENNE ADRIANNE.

As the years passed, David took on many roles; a Minister, a brother, a father, an uncle, working at places IBM, the Post Office, and Firestone.  But in 2003 he took on his most heartwarming role as grandfather to his only grandchild, his "pun'kin" ASHAUNNA DIANA MICHELLE.

In his retirement, he was still very active in the church. Involving himself in church activities such as Sunday school and church carnivals and fundraisers. He enjoyed teaching and speaking at the House of Refuge in Ames, Iowa under Bishop Orlando McClain.

David is preceded in death by his parents, Orange and Martha Cheatem; his brothers Joseph, Anthony, and Charles Cheatem, and nephew Carlos Cheatem.

David leaves to cherish is memory his wife Michelle Cheatem, his daughter Jenee Cheatem, his granddaughter Ashaunna Hill, his remaining siblings; JoJo, John, Russell, Ronald, Maurice, Jonathan Cheatem, Kathey Cheatem-Eady, Claudine Cheatem, and Debra Alexander plus a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.