Daniel Stewart Cheatum, 68, of Kinmundy passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at his home. Daniel was a very talented professional contract painter having owned and operated Capital Painting in Carbondale for over 20 years. In addition to working on commercial properties, his true talent and passion lied in the restoration and preservation of historic buildings and churches. He loved history, especially of the Civil War era and was very active in Civil War reenactments. He put together a Civil War Band called “Rose of El-e-noy”, and they performed all over the state, including Christmas at the Illinois State House. His love of music and gift as a musician touched many over the course of his entire life. He not only played a variety of instruments, he also wrote songs reflecting his life and the lives of others. He loved genealogy and studying family history on both sides of the family. He authored a book titled Letters from Andersonville based on the life of an ancestor who served in the Civil War.
Memorial services honoring the life of Daniel will be held at 12 noon, Saturday, September 25, 2021 at the McGriff & Triplett Funeral Home in Kinmundy with Pastor David Kueker officiating, burial will follow at the Sandy Branch Cemetery, rural Alma. Visitation will be held on Saturday morning at the funeral home where friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until 12 noon. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Sandy Branch Cemetery. Due to health concerns related to COVID-19, it is recommended that you please wear a mask and practice social distancing. To sign the guestbook online or share a memory please visit www.mcgriffandtriplettfh.com.
Daniel is survived by his mother, Louise Cheatum, of Centraila; sister, Janice Louise (Steve) Eischens, of Salem; niece, Elsbeth (Ed) Charlton, of Alma; nephew, Cameron Eischens, of Dix; 6 grand nieces and nephews, Noah Bushue, Logan Charlton, Tucker Charlton, Carly Charlton, Collin Eischens, Isaiah Eischens.
Dan was born on September 5, 1953, in Salem the son of Elwyn Dale and Louise Marie (Green) Cheatum. Mr. Cheatum was preceded in death by his father, grandparents, Nina & Ervin Cheatum, and Bill & Grace Green.
