Forrest Cleveland Cheever

Forrest Cleveland Cheever, 94 of Madison, passed away Monday, February 6, 2017 at Holiday Resort.
He was born November 17, 1922 in rural Eureka the son of Rolla Cleveland and Orrel Izada Kelly Cheever. During his early childhood he lived in Wichita and Colorado Springs, Colorado. When he was eight years old he came to Greenwood County, Kansas to make his home with his grandparents. Forrest helped on the farm and attended schools in Greenwood County. He graduated from Quincy High School and later Emporia State University.
On August 16, 1941 he was joined in marriage to Doris Elaine Pugh in Wichita, Kansas.
He entered the United States Army on September 9, 1943. He served in the Southwest Pacific and Japan. Forrest received an honorable discharge on December 19, 1945. On August 14, 1950 he was called to serve his country again during the Korean War and received an honorable discharge on May 15, 1952.
Forrest returned to Madison where he owned and operated Cheever Well Service for many years. His sense of community ran deep and Forrest served on the City Council and as a three term Mayor from 1971 until 1981. He declined a fourth term after he was unknowingly written in and elected. His many memberships included; American Legion Post #124, Madison Masonic Lodge #196, Scottish Rite of Topeka, York Rite in Eureka, Miriam Chapter #14 Order of The Eastern Star in Emporia, Pi Omega Pi Honorary Business Fraternity, Emporia State University Alumni Association and was formerly a member of the Lions Club and Madison Star Chapter #350 O.E.S.
He will live on in the hearts of his daughters, Peggy Loy Cheever Spinski of Brookings, South Dakota and Joyce LeAnn Cheever McGill Chambers and her husband Ronald of Burlington, Kansas; son, William "Bill" Forrest Cheever of Olpe, Kansas; grandchildren, Brenda Jo McGill Muha and David Wayne McGill; numerous great-grandchildren, extended family and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 73 years, Doris Cheever; brother, James Ralph Cheever; sisters, Blossom and Doris Cheever; half sisters, Melvina Philllips and Vivian Tatman and son-in-law Larry Gene McGill.
Graveside services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, February 11, 2017 at Number 8 Cemetery near Madison. The family will receive friends from 6:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Friday evening at the VanArsdale Funeral Home in Madison. Memorial contributions may be made to the Madison American Legion and sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be expressed at vanarsdalefs.com.