Obituary of James Leon Cheesman

James Leon Cheesman, age 70, passed from this life on Monday, May 29, 2017, at his home in Kellyville, surrounded by his family. He was born August 12, 1946 in Bristow, Oklahoma to Harold and Sylvia Cheesman. He graduated from Kellyville High School in 1964 and attended Okmulgee Tech before enlisting in the Oklahoma National Guard.

Leon married Kathleen Willingham-Cheesman on September 22, 1967. They shared 49 years of marriage together. He was a great family man and was always supportive of his children and grandchildren’s activities and ambitions.

Leon followed in his father-in-law’s footsteps and worked at Liberty Glass in Sapulpa for 41 years before retiring in 2010. He loved to be outside, working in the yard, around the barn, taking care of the horses, camping at Heyburn Lake and reading his western books.

Leon was a social, active man who was deeply involved in his children and grandchildren’s activities. He was a member and officer of the Kellyville Round-Up Club for many years and was always willing to pitch in whenever help was needed. His family and friends will always remember him, cheering from the sidelines at football and basketball games, walking down the rodeo alley ways, giving words of encouragement before a run or just being there for moral support at livestock shows.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Donald Cheesman. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Cheesman and their children, Tom Cheesman and his wife, Cheryl, Kimberly Edens and her husband, Mickey. Grandchildren Derrick and Chelsea Cheesman, Stephanie and Whit Baker and Amber Wilson, along with six great grandchildren and several close family friends

A memorial service will be held at Green Hills Chapel in Sapulpa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Seasons Hospice, 6532 E. 71st Street, Suite 101, Tulsa, OK 74133.

Leon was loved by many and will remain in our hearts forever.