David "Bo" Cheatham

David Wayne Cheatham, better known as “Bo” passed away at his Madera home surrounded by family on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at the age of 74 years.

“Bo” was born in Madera, California to Herman and Iva Pearl Jackson Cheatham one of 9 children born to the couple. Bo attended grammar school at James Monroe, Junior High School at Thomas Jefferson and graduated from Madera Union High School with the Class of 1968. Following high school Bo along with his buddies signed up for military service, he landing up in the U.S. Marine Corps, later he was honorably discharged due to injuries sustained in training.. Returning to Madera he embarked in a career in Automotive Repair, something that Bo excelled in, eventually opening his own business, “Madera Front End and Brake” on Gateway Drive. He eventually retired due to health issues but was always the go to person for his friends and neighbors that needed help on automotive repair, always ready to lend a hand. In his leisure time Bo enjoyed working in his yard and camping with family and friends (Lucky Ones RV Club).

Bo was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Richard, and Kenneth, his sisters Alice Burrough, Panzy Anglin, Shirley Phillips, Linda Cheatham, and Jeannie Bayless.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marilyn Creamer Cheatham, his two daughters, Chrystal Benzler and her husband Jason of Madera, and Ashley Bedford and her husband Shane of Puyallup, Washington. He is the brother of Pearley Peevey and her husband Jack of Garden Grove, California and is the brother -in-law of Mike Bayless, Bob Anglin and Phyllis Cheatham, Richard Creamer and his wife Leslie, and Louise Lucckesi and her husband Richard. He is the grandfather of Jacob and Aubrey Benzler, and Tyler, Kylie and Gavin Bedford. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at Jay Chapel, on Friday, May 10, 2024, at 10 AM, with interment following at Arbor Vitae Cemetery.

Remembrances in his memory may be made to the Madera Historical Society or to the donor’s favorite charity.