Lester Howard Cheesman (Les), 91, went home to be with the Lord Saturday, October 1, 2016. He was born February 15, 1925, in Staunton, Indiana to the late Benjamin Franklin and Hila Mae (Yant) Cheesman. His mother died when he was a baby and he was raised by his maternal grandparents and then his father and step-mother, Susan Frances Easton. He graduated from Wiley High School in Terre Haute, Indiana where he played football and ran track. One week after graduating, he entered the United States Army fighting in World War II, in the South Pacific. He rose to the rank of Staff Sargent, was wounded multiple times receiving two Purple Hearts, an Oak Leaf Cluster and the Bronze Medal for Valor in Action.
After being discharged, he met the love of his life Mary Margaret Goble. They were married on June 2, 1946 and spent 63 1/2 wonderful years together. He worked at Davidson Furs making fur coats, then became a State Farm Insurance Agent. He worked for State Farm for 30 years, retiring in 1989.
He was a long time member of East 91st Street Christian Church where he was an Elder, Sunday School teacher and official hug giver. He also was a member of the Englewood F & AM 715 Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed working in his yard, woodworking, fishing, model railroading and sports of all kinds.
He is survived by his children: Steven (Carol) Cheesman, Christi (William) Cope, Roger (Andrea) Cheesman and Becki (James) Guthrie. His grandchildren: Jason (Virginia) Cope, Jennifer (Jonathan) Hartley, Ashley (David) Mathews, Jessica Cope, Heather (Dustin) Reed, Leslie (Michael) Greathouse, Jonathan Cope, Alexander Guthrie and Anna Guthrie. His great-grandchildren: Paige and Dylan Cope, Chase and Isabella Hartley, Justis Cope, Colten Hardcastle, Lukas Mathews, Samuel and Elliott Reed and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Margaret, granddaughter, Amie Guthrie and his three brothers and one sister.
Les loved life, never met a stranger and will be missed by all.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, October 7, 2016 at East 91st Street Christian Church, 6049 East 91st Street, Indianapolis. The family will greet friends on Thursday, October 6, 2016, from 5 – 8 p.m., and on Friday from 10 – 11 a.m.
Betty Anderson says
We wee so lucky to have Lester as a part of our lives. He touched everyone with his smile and goodness. He was a true friend to my Dad, Bill. He will be missed but we know he is reunited with his love of his life,Mary and his dear friends Bill and Doris.
Joe Atkinson says
Mr. Cheesman was a good friend to our family. I am not sure I have met a more humble man. On behalf of the Atkinson family, please accept our condolences and prayers.
Jeannie Fredrickson says
I’m so glad you added “official hug giver” in Les’ obituary, because that’s how I’ll always remember him. Going into BYF every month was always a huge treat due to those hugs! We loved him so. My condolences to the family. Please know, as I’m sure you do, that he will definitely be missed.
PHIL MCGILL says
Roger I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You will be in our prayers.
Marge Brophy says
I’m so sorry for the loss of you Dad. You, Andrea and the entire family are in my prayers.
Brenda Hardesty says
Les was a blessing to everyone he was around. He was a good friend to my Mom and Dad, Ila and Dennis. He will truly be missed. My prayers are with the family.