Jeffery Wayne Cheek

Jeffery “Jeff” Wayne Cheek, 66, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 29, 2025. Born on September 19, 1958, in Springfield, Missouri, to James Robert and Betty Lucille Cheek, Jeff was a vibrant spirit known for his generosity, passion, and unwavering love for his family, pets and friends. After graduating high school, Jeff ventured to Arizona to pursue a career in the automotive industry, which led him to California for over 15 years where he worked for Cal Worthington. As one of the first four employees of Republic Industries—later known as Auto Nation—Jeff helped shape the future of automotive retail. In 2003, he found a new passion at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Harley Davidson, eventually becoming a partner and, in 2013, a dealer of his own Harley Davidson stores in Renton, WA, and Scott City, MO. In 2020, Jeff was fortunate enough to become partners with his best friend, Jay “Jaybone” Goodart and his son, James “Budro” Cheek at Lawless Harley-Davidson of Scott City. Throughout his career, Jeff had the opportunity to live all over the United States and impact countless lives. Jeff’s life was defined by a big heart, boundless generosity, and a gift for bringing joy to those around him. He had a true passion for coaching and mentoring others, always encouraging people to pursue their dreams. His legendary storytelling could light up any room, and he was known for his patriotism, his dedication to family, pets and friends, and his deep care for the causes he held dear. He especially loved being a devoted dog dad to his loyal companion Woody and his grand-dogs Rambo and Junior. Jeff is survived by his devoted wife and best friend, Heather, whom he lovingly called “Bubs.” Together, they shared a long and adventurous marriage filled with laughter, travel, and unwavering support for one another. They married on May 22, 2004, and were each other’s greatest cheerleaders. His children—Elizabeth “Lizzie” Barrie and her husband Fergus, and James “Buddy” Cheek and his girlfriend Chelsea Fowler—were his pride and joy. Jeff adored his granddaughter, Lucille “Lucy” Skye Barrie, and cherished every moment spent as her grandpa. Jeff also leaves behind his sister Julie Holman and her husband Dan; his aunt and uncle, Allen “Dean” and Linda Harthcock; and his nieces and nephews: Emily Laster, Brennon Larsen, Isabelle Larsen, and Makenna Larsen. Jeff was blessed with dear cousins and countless friends whose lives he touched deeply. Jeff was proceeded in death his parents, maternal and fraternal grandparents, aunts, uncle and special dogs Ralph, Beau and Jack. Visitation will be 10:00 am to 11:00 am Sunday, June 22, 2025 at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau. A Memorial service will 11 am Sunday at the funeral home with a celebration of life party from 1:30 -3:30 pm at Dalhousie Golf Club. 11a.m. service: Streaming Link@ 11: https://youtube.com/live/4deGBgQAY5U?feature=share 1:30 p.m. celebration of life: Streaming link @ 1: https://youtube.com/live/ZrGvPq73cHg?feature=share A private interment will be held at a later date in Springfield, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Tunnels to Towers, HavaHeart, or Camp Boggy Creek—causes that were dear to Jeff’s heart as they reflect his deep love for patriots, animals, and children. Jeff’s larger-than-life personality and infectious laughter will forever be missed but will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Tributes

Jeffery Wayne Cheek

September 19, 1958 - May 29, 2025