Joe Edger Cheatwood

Our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Joe Edger Cheatwood, left us for his eternal home in heaven, Sunday, July 9 at the age of 80, surrounded by love. He is greatly missed by his wife of the home, Candace (Varner) Cheatwood, and children, Darla Jo Cheatwood of Okemah, Steven Dale Cheatwood of Buckeye, Andrea James and husband David of Nuyaka, Cody Lee Williams and wife Krissi of Yukon, and Gunnar Varner and wife Ashley of Okemah. Joe Edger was born December 17, 1942 in Byars, Ok to Joe and Uda Fay (Strawn) Cheatwood. His family relocated to the Okemah area when he was 3 years old. This was the same age when he was given his first cow by his father. Joe Edger continued in the cattle business for the next 77 years, encouraging and assisting many young people to get into the cattle business or cattle associated school activities. Throughout his ranching career he also worked and retired from the Department of Human Services with more than 20 years of combined service; worked in local oilfields as well as overseas in Saudi Arabia for more than 13 years in offshore drilling. Joe Edger always made time to help other people and contribute to his community. For years, he was the face of the local Salvation Army bell ringing campaign. Through his years of service to retirement from the Oklahoma National Guard, Joe Edger was a driving force in the Youth Mentorship Program. He felt determined to make a difference in the lives of young people! He was the Woodyfest Campgrounds organizer/manager from the early years. Okfuskee County Christmas’ wouldn’t have been the same without Joe Edger’s assistance to Santa Claus each year. Joe Edger Cheatwood is preceded in death by his parents, a wife, Barbara Jean Cheatwood, and a grandson, John Dylan Stephen Cheatwood. He is survived by his wife, Candace Cheatwood, his children, Darla Jo Cheatwood, Steve Cheatwood, Andrea James (David), Cody Williams (Krissi), and Gunnar Varner (Ashley), 14 grandchildren, Landon Willis, Crysten Cheatwood, Christopher Borjon, Casandra Blair, Josephynne Cheatwood, Maisie Cheatwood, Christopher Radar, Alexander Radar, Elizabeth Radar, Mahaniya Randall, John Randall, KyLee Williams, Addison Williams and Brayden Sorrell and 9 great-grandchildren Jesse James McCollum, Callie Jo Borjon, Blakely Dallas Borjon, Sadie Blair Borjon, Tressa Faye Willis, Emmy Jo Watkins, Oaklynn June Blair, Brandon Kuell Jr, and Tyleigh Jo Kuell. Services will be Saturday, July 15, at 2:00 pm at Last Chance Baptist Church with Rev. Don Baker officiating. Visitation will be Friday, July 14, 6-8 pm at Parks Funeral Home. Active Pallbearers are Steve Cheatwood, Gunnar Varner, Cody Williams, Landon Willis, Christopher Borjon, and Crysten Cheatwood on behalf of Dylan Cheatwood. Honorary pallbearers are Eugene Cheatwood, Dale Cheatwood, Richard Shepard, Buzz Guinn, Rusty Plum, Pat Smith, Steve Kouplin, and Jim Smith – in memory.. Services will be under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Home, Okemah, Oklahoma.

Joe Edger Cheatwood

December 17, 1942 - July 9, 2023