CHEEK,    RICHARD EUGENE

A retired general contractor and a resident of Pride for three years, he died Wednesday, June 26, 2002, at his home. He was 71 and a native of Baton Rouge. Visiting at Charlet Funeral Home Inc., Zachary, from 9 a.m. Saturday until religious service at 10:30 a.m., conducted by Deacon Bruno Rizzo. He was a graduate of Istrouma High School and attended LSU. He served in the House of Representatives from 1968 to 1972. "Popi," as he was called by family and friends, is survived by his wife of 24 years, Joanne Greer Cheek of Pride; children and spouses, Susan C. Werner and Fred of Lafayette, Diana C. Burns and Paul of Baton Rouge, Richard E. Cheek Jr. and Vicki of Powder Spring, Colo., Kathy Simeneaux, Jaye Gerding and Sharon, Barbara G. Hendl and Gerry, all of Zachary, Robert Gerding and Merisa of Minden and Karl Cheek of Pride; 22 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, a sister, Beverly Love; and a brother, J.W. Cheek Jr. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob W. Cheek and Marie Lois Whitehead Cheek; and two nephews, Michael Cheek and Kenneth Cheek. Friends may make memorial contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.