Richard Smith Cheever of Salt Lake City passed away on August 7, 2016. He was born September 22, 1927 in Payson, Utah to George Albert Smith Cheever and Sarah Ellen Braithwaite. He graduated from Payson High School and went on to spend one year in gunsmithing school in Trinidad, Colorado where his love of the shooting sports was honed. He served a faithful mission in the Pacific Northwest that he truly loved and spoke fondly of often. He married Elinor Akins on July 5, 1955, in the Manti Utah Temple and they were blessed with five children. Richard diligently served in many callings for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a member of the Ensign 3rd Ward. His last calling was serving in the branch at LDS Hospital where he was honored to visit and administer to hundreds of patients. He had a kind sense of humor and was charitable to a fault. He was part-owner of CS and T Auto Body and Paint and excelled at repairing Corvettes and other vehicles for over 30 years. Richard was a fiberglass specialist and a true craftsman!
Richard lost his wife Elinor to illness in 1994. He learned much about love and service in her last year as he cared for her and tended to her needs. He is survived by his children: Leslie Cheever Marsh (Kevin), Scott Richard Cheever (Florence Ann), Bonnie G. Cheever and Val Joseph Cheever (Denny). He was preceded in death by his daughter Deanna Cheever Allen (Dale) who passed away February 2015. She lovingly served her father tirelessly while fighting a terminal illness herself. Richard has 12 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. The family wishes to thank the staff and owners of Seasons of Santaquin for the care they gave to our father over the last two years. We are so grateful for the loving, kind and gentle service you shared with him.
Friends and family may attend a viewing on Friday August 12th from 6:30-8:30 pm at Larkin Mortuary Riverton located at 3688 W. 12600 S. His funeral will be held Saturday August 13th at the Riverton Copperview 1st Ward located at 12134 S. 3600 W. There will be a viewing from 10:30-11:30 prior to the service. Interment will be in the Payson City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please donate to the LDS Missionary Fund.
