Fred Cheek

Fred Glenwood Cheek, 93, of Cape Girardeau passed away Friday, May 9, 2014, at Saint Francis Hospital.

He was born on Feb. 13, 1921, in Parma, Missouri, to Rebecca Viola Pryor and Robert Cheek.

Fred grew up in Chaffee, Missouri, graduating from Chaffee High School in May 1939. He worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps and then served in the National Guard and U.S. Army from Dec. 1939 to June 1945. He was involved in the D-Day invasion at Utah Beach in France. He was medically discharged in June 1945 after being wounded in action twice during World War II, earning two Purple Hearts with Oak Leaf Cluster.

Fred was employed by the U.S. Post Office in Cape Girardeau, where he worked from 1949 to 1981. He worked there for 31 years with perfect attendance, never missing a day of work. After retiring he managed the Color Lab at Cheekwood Studios for 10 years.

He was very active in the Nazarene Church, being a Sunday school teacher for 45 years, beginning with teenagers and later with the senior adult classes. He developed praise bands at church and enjoyed mentoring young people to develop a love for playing musical instruments.

Survivors include his wife of 72 years, Evelyn Cheek of Cape Girardeau; three sons, Fred David Cheek (Nancy), James Lynn Cheek and William Douglas Cheek (Cathy); three grandchildren, Amy Lynn Cheek Lewis (Chris), Jason Scott Cheek (Holly) and Andrew Douglas Cheek (Alexia); four great-grandchildren, Matthew David Lewis (age 8), Evelyn Faith Lewis (age 4), Roxanne Rebecca Cheek (age 2 1/2) and Cosette Louise Cheek (age 15 weeks).

He was preceded in death by his mother, father and two brothers.

Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

Funeral service will follow at 12:30 p.m., with their pastor, Gary Brothers of Cape First, officiating. Burial will be in Lorimier Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to Gideons International, 437 Gabriel Drive, Kirkwood, MO 63122.

Online condolences can be shared at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.