Feb. 25, 1932 - Jul. 19, 2026
Date of Service: Jul. 23, 2026
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Our dear father, Cleo Kyle Cheney, broke away from the bands of this earthly life to be with his dear wife and our sweet mother, Patsy, on July 19, 2026.
Our father was not the type of individual who would have wanted a sad funeral and obituary. Rather, he would want us to celebrate the great life he lived in his 94 years while on this good earth, always surrounded by family and friends in every facet of his life.
Dad was born in Buhl, Idaho, February 25, 1932, to Royal and Alice Elisa Larsen Cheney. He was the youngest of four children, Lauree, Nonie, Clifford, and then Cleo. His early years were spent living between Oregon and Idaho as his parents made a living doing various jobs as they raised their family. Eventually the family returned to Idaho where the Cheney roots really began to take hold and grow.
Dad met mom, Patsy Ruth Lauritzen, in Burley during his junior year of high school and Mom was a senior. After Dad graduated in 1950, he chased mom down and asked her to marry him. Dad always said mom was a hottie and he fell head over heels for her. They were married on December 23, 1951, and were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple in 1955.
For the first two years of their marriage, Dad served with the U.S. Army and was stationed in Okinowa during the Korean War.
Their marriage brought four children into this world, Tommy R. Cheney (Cindy) of Houston, Texas, Suzan Mendenhall (Brent) of Rexburg, Cleo Kevin Cheney (Marcy) of Newnan, Georgia, and Tamara Erickson (Eric) of Rexburg.
Dad was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had the blessings of serving in many callings in the Church. His favorite was working with the youth and also his time as a counselor in a bishopric in Wamsutter, Wyoming. Dad and Mom both served together as temple ordinance workers in the Boise, Idaho Falls, and Rexburg temples.
Dad was always successful in his career efforts which include owning and operating two gas stations and a bulk distributor center for Mobil Oil, all in Burley. He also owned and operated a hardware store in Declo, was a semi-truck tanker driver for Amoco Bulk Distribution in Southern Idaho, a natural gas plant operator in Wamsutter, Wyoming, and an oil and gas measurement operator and manager for Costal Oil and Gas in Vernal, Utah.
Cleo proudly served as the Mayor of the City of Heyburn. The communities he worked in and served with always said he was a positive influence to all those he associated with.
Mom and Dad retired while in Vernal. They moved back to their beloved Idaho roots in Heyburn and later moved to Rexburg to be close to some of their children and grandchildren. Mom (Patsy) passed away in 2018. Dad remained in Rexburg living at Homestead Senior Living where he was everyone’s favorite friend and cheerleader. He ministered to all he came in contact with.
He was loved and admired by all. We will dearly miss him but take great comfort in knowing he is home with our mother and the family members that preceded him.
In many ways, Dad’s high school yearbook captured the essence of his attitude and approach to life.
From Cleo’s high school yearbook:
CLEO CHENEY
“Mischief and deviltry he does inspire; fun and excitement he seems to desire.”
Transferred from Gooding. Senior Class Vice Pres.; Cheer Leader 4;
Football 1,2,3,4; Basketball; 1; Mixed Chorus 1,3;
“B” Club 4; Hi-Y Club 4;
Thespians 3,4; Camera Club 3, 4; Ski Club 3, 4;
Sr. Class Play; Jr Class Play
Great job, Dad!
Until we are all together again, we love you.
We are very grateful for the care given to our dad over the past 12 years by the management and staff of Homestead Assisted Living in Rexburg. He was lovingly comforted by Homestead Hospice in his final days.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 23, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 E. 16th Street, in Burley, where family and friends will be received from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Heyburn, with military rites provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Group and the Idaho Army National Guard.
A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/mEGezdQZSvg.
