Happy Father’s Day. Miss you a lot today.

Today actor James Caan passed away. He had a prolific career, but will always be best remembered as the hothead Santino (Sonny) Corleone of The Godfather films. If you knew my father you know he would have loved to get a copy of the 50th anniversary edition, and to see the new show on Paramount about the making of the film And of course he would mourn the passing of the great actor James Caan. So, with all of The Godfather news in the past several months, I think it only appropriate that we celebrate Ron by celebrating what he loved as he was perhaps on of this franchise's biggest fans. So, for a while this page will be playing Nino Rota's famed Godfather Waltz. There are many cover versions, but only the original track for our "Capo" Ronald Eugene Cheatham.

Happy Birthday old man!

You are missed.

It’s been a long year since you passed. We miss you.

Hey lil' brother. This is your big sister. You were a wonderful, and loving brother. I miss you so much. I cannot say, hey Ron do you remember when, this, that, or who. Another part of my history is missing. I missed you at Thanksgiving and Christmas this year and I will miss you forever more. Love you.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Merry Christmas Dad!

I'm adding a eulogy today written and recorded by George Slover of San Marcos Church of Christ, Ron's minister and dear friend of 30 years. This memorial now has lifetime premium, so don't hesitate to send photos or videos if you want to share along with your messages.

Ron was a wonderful friend. He was anyone's friend who would allow him to be. He was a true Good Samaritan for our community. He was a wonderful mentor and counselor for the young. But, most of all he was my brother in Christ. I will miss our times together to discuss the Scriptures and pray. But, for Ron I am glad the pain is over!

2 Corinthians 5:1
For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

George Slover; evangelist for the San Marcos church of Christ

Happy Birthday Dad!!!!

We miss you!

My Uncle Ron was a great man. Not only in stature, but in life. He was always there for me and my sister when we were young going to school in San Marcos while my mother was working and going to school. Although he never said it, I know he loved me and my sisters, my mother and my father. At a young age, he introduced me to drag racing, and the love of cars and racing, which has thoroughly permeated my soul to this day. No matter the circumstance of others or his own, my uncle Ron would always offer a witty quip, joke, or break into song (he loved to sing and was a great singer) just to let you know things weren't all that bad .

His memory ever so sharp, could reach back much further than others, which served him well in recounting times of family members and stories from years past, bringing them all back and together, reconnecting them to our lives in the present. 

My Uncle Ron was a great cook, a hard worker and he loved movies which anyone knows, is the universal sign of a good person. I fondly remember he and his son Joseph whipping up delicious Thanksgiving & Christmas meals and then all of us sitting around afterward in a tryptophan haze, watching football and then movie after movie while my uncle finally dozed off in his favorite seat after a long day's work and maybe a good cigar. 

You've worked hard enough Uncle. You've shown me what it means to be a great man, friend, father, son and uncle, and brother. Take a load off, wrest yourself from the limits of these earthly chains and enjoy the races, the music, the good movies, and great food up there. I know where you are, there's a smile on your face, a song in your heart, a joke at the ready, and an interesting story you're engaging in with a lucky stranger. Love you always Uncle Ron. Forever & ever.

I'm the Director at the San Marcos Public Library and none of you that know Ron will be surprised that he (and Joseph) spent some time at the library. Of course, I haven't seen him lately but when he was still getting out I always enjoyed swapping stories with him. He was smart and curious - what a great combination of qualities. In the days before google, Ron was a google. He knew a little about a whole lot and he joyfully shared his knowledge. Twice a year, he had his Gary students help with the Friends of the Library book sale - carrying boxes and boxes of books from storage to the truck to the sale and then back to storage for the ones that didn't sell. The Friends could always count on Ron spending some of his money on books for his own collection. Condolences to his many friends and family members. 

I worked with Ron at Gary Job Corps he was a laid-back easy going brother. He was very knowledgeable and funny. My prayers go out to the family.