CHEEVER, WILLIAM F.

William F. Cheever, 78, Galveston, died at 2:40 a.m. Monday, Feb. 7, 2000, at Windsor Estate, Kokomo. Born Sept. 18, 1921 in Kokomo, he was the son of Franklin and Eva (Robertson) Cheever. On Oct. 30, 1946, he married Dorothy (Downhour) Cheever

He graduated from North Vernon High School in 1939. He served in the U.S. Marines from 1941 to 1946. He was a corporal serving under James Roosevelt, Company Commander, in the Marine Raiders. He participated in the assault and capture of New Georgia Island; participated in the assault and capture of Emirau Island, St. Matthias Group; participated in the assault and capture of Guam Island; participated in the assault and capture of Okinawa, Ryuku Islands. He received a Purple Heart, four battle stars, Good Conduct Medal, and Asian American Campaign Medal. He retired from Continental Steel with 33 years, in 1983, as a crane operator. He was a member of the U.S. Steel Workers Union; Disabled American Veterans; American Legion Post 777; and Marine Raider Association.

Surviving are his wife; a son and daughter-in-law, Richard L. (Dick) and Lynn Cheever, Russiaville; daughter and fiancé, Pam Gardner, Galveston and Joe Patterson, Kokomo; brother, Robert (Bob) Blessing, Miami, Fla.; sister, Mary McCauley, Kokomo; five grandchildren, Kelly Pratt, Lititz, Pa.; Shannon Pratt, Kokomo; Amanda Wells, Logansport; Shawn Cheever, Indianapolis; Jennifer Lyle, Fishers; five great-grandsons. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and three sisters.

Services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Murray Funeral Home, Galveston Chapel. Pastor Nathaniel Urshan will officiate. Burial will be in Galveston Cemetery with full military rites. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.