Mark played many roles during his lifetime. He was an educator, principal, coach, son, brother, husband and father. He started his education profession in Farmington Illinois where he taught middle school math during his time there. He coached girls’ basketball at the junior high and high school levels, and boy’s baseball. He later took a position as the assistant dean of students in Lewistown, Illinois. While there he pursued his Master’s degree in Education Administration. Once that was completed, he furthered his professional journey in Griggsville/Perry school District, as a principal. While there he took pride in coaching the boy’s baseball team. He retired in 2015.
Mark was a sports fanatic. He was a scout for the Cincinnati Reds 1982 and 1983. He was a diehard St. Louis Cardinals fan, Arizona Cardinals fan, and avid University of Illinois basketball fan. His favorite games to watch though were the ones that his kids and grandkids played. When not watching or coaching sports, Mark took pride in his yard. He always made sure his yard was mowed, trimmed, and his flowers watered. Every spring he made sure all his flower beds had fresh mulch. Just this past summer, Mark and his son added to his patio, so when friends and family came over, they had a beautiful place to sit and visit. Mark was known for his witty sarcasm, “dad” jokes, family weatherman, and friendly personality.
Mark married his beloved wife, Kathy Reid, on December 30, 2002. Between the two of them they had 4 children, Hollie, Heath, Jessica, and Justine. They started their life together on the family farm in Cuba, Illinois. They moved off the farm to Pittsfield, Illinois. Mark and Kathy moved back the town of Cuba after his retirement. They were there until 2022, and then moved to Sikeston, Missouri.
He was preceded in death by his father, William “Spike” Cheatum and his mother Barbara “Eileen” Cheatum both of Salem, Illinois, his sister De Ann Ross, brother-in-law George Ross both of Oklahoma, and his mother-in-law Patricia Reid, of Cuba, Illinois.
He leaves behind, his wife Kathy of Sikeston, MO, his brother Bill Cheatum (Rena) of Watseka, Il, his brother Tracy Cheatum of Salem, Il, sister-in-law Laura Gibboney (Chris) of Smithfield, Il, brother-in-law Chuck Reid of Cuba, Il, his daughter Hollie Cheatum (Andy Haynes) of Covington, GA, his son Heath Cheatum (Kylee Ewalt) of Canton, Il, his daughter Jessica Trone (Aaron Underwood) of Mackinaw, Il, and his daughter Justine Butler (Ben Butler) of Lewistown, Il. He had 14 grandchildren, Alyse, Nathan, Cameron, Shawn Jr., Kyzer, Zander, Stella, Pierce, Jaydyn, Waylon, Lauren, Clayton, Kinsley, and Nova.
Visitation will be held at Temple Baptist Church of Canton Illinois on May 26, 2026 from 4pm-6pm. Services following directly after at 6pm.
Memorials and donations will go to the Temple Baptist Church of Canton or the donor’s choice.
Please share a memory of Mark at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.
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