John Lee Cheney

John was born to a farming family in rural Bradley, Arkansas—the second-born of 7 children. No birth certificate was produced for him until 1970. He lived in Arkansas until his 18th birthday when he left his work in the cotton fields to join the Army. John was a dedicated husband to Eilene for more than 72 years; beloved father to Roger, Janice and Angela; adoring grandfather to Tammy, Brian and Michael, Derek, Rebecca and Jessica, and Brent and Heather. John is survived by daughters Janice and Angela, grandchildren Tammy, Brian, Derek, Rebecca, Brent and Heather; brother Horace and many nieces and nephews. John did not graduate from High School until the 1950's when he completed a course by mail and received his GED. John joined the Army when he was 18 and served through WWII—1940-1945. He met Eilene, and they married in 1942. They had 3 children between 1945 and 1953. John was always self-reliant and immediately got a job after being honorably discharged from the Army. He became a butcher and in 1947 began working for Wilson Foods as a salesman. John worked 36 years for Wilson and retired as a manager in 1983. After he retired, John had another career in sales and collecting at fairs and shows. He even created a guidebook of sorts which many fellow dealers referred to. John had many interests and enjoyed many activities over the years. He and Eilene enjoyed playing Bridge together, and he tried to teach his children and grandchildren how to play. He enjoyed cars and took pride in caring for the few he owned. He loved movies and enjoyed taking his family to theaters in the 40's and 50's. Later he enjoyed movies on TV and made and saved a large collection. John was a good mathematician and always enjoyed managing money safely and effectively. He managed his stock portfolio independently well into his 90's. On his last trip to the hospital, he asked an aide at his retirement residence to remind him about a CD that would be maturing before the end of the month. Over the years, John enjoyed having pets. The family's first was a Yorkshire Terrier named Cindy in the 1960's. After he retired, he enjoyed the companionship of Babe, a rescued small mixed breed; Remy, an extremely sweet and gentle Papillon; and finally, an active Schnauzer named Nikki. In 2014, Dad, without Eilene, sadly moved to Quail Ridge Senior Living in Oklahoma City. He was devastated after losing his beloved wife, but he managed to start a new life there and thrive with new friends and activities. He took a long walk down to meals 3 times a day to meet his friends for food and companionship. He also enjoyed Bingo, Dominoes and other occasional activities. On March 4, 2019, John was injured and went to the hospital for what turned out to be an extended stay. He returned to Quail Ridge under the care of Hospice and passed away peacefully the morning of April 6, 2019. John was a man who persevered in all circumstances and cared for and provided well for his family. He enjoyed his life from beginning to end. He will be missed by his family and friends. The Memorial Service to celebrate John will be 11 a.m., Saturday, April 13 at Smith & Kernke, 14624 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73134. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Reception to follow at Quail Ridge Senior Living. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 841125, Dallas TX 75284-1125. Please note for John Cheney Memorial Fund on the memo line.