Robert "Tracy" Cheatham

Robert “Tracy” Cheatham III passed away at home on August 3, 2025. He was 73 years old.

He adopted his life motto from the Air Force Academy: “Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence In All We Do.”

His Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday August 9th, 2025 at the Crawford Community Church at 1:00 PM. Please come and share your memories and thoughts about Tracy. His burial will be at the Air Force Academy Cemetery on Monday, August 11 at 1:30 PM.

If you wish to attend that please reach out to Cathy.

Tracy was born on January 7th, 1952 in Hollywood, California to Jane Anderson Cheatham and Robert Tracy Cheatham Junior. He graduated from Polytechnic High School in Pasadena, and continued his education at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He graduated in 1974 with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science. He served our country in the United States Air Force for six years as a T-38 instructor pilot until July of 1980, finishing his service with a rank of Captain. He was hired by Delta Airlines in 1980 where he worked until 2005, completing his career there as a international Captain flying the Boeing 767. On the Western Slope he worked as a corporate and private pilot until he retired in 2022.

He married Cathy Hansen on December 28th, 1997, and they enjoyed 28 happy years together.

In the fall of 2005, Tracy and Cathy moved from Utah to Crawford, Colorado, where they have made their home for the last 20 years. Tracy served on the Crawford Mesa Water Board for 16 years and was a staple of the Crawford community.

Tracy relied on God’s guidance in his life. Though flying was his passion, he always made faith and family his priority. He loved being a father to his children, and his kind and gentle nature combined with his intelligence and accomplishments were an example to all who knew him. Growing up in a musical family, he played the piano and bassoon in youth bands. He competed in swimming and diving, played tennis, and loved travel and the outdoors. He became a master tinkerer, restoring watches, player pianos, and cars as a youth. As an adult, he built houses in Georgia, Utah, and Colorado. He continued to enjoy hiking, biking, snow skiing, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. His love for America grew during his military service, and he was grateful for all the opportunities God and Country afforded him. One could often find him studying the history of our great country and its many heroes. Tracy was a shining example of service, humility and strength, and he will be truly missed.

He is survived by his wife Cathy Cheatham; his daughters Laura Regal, Elizabeth Foster, and Allison Cheatham; his stepsons Karl Pia and Coleman Chase. 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; and siblings Scot Cheatham, David Cheatham, and Dana Scoby.

As a lifelong aviator with over 50 years as a pilot, Tracy wanted to leave a legacy of flying by supporting young aspiring pilots in achieving their educational goals. To fulfill that dream, he founded Life Wings 501c(3).

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to:

Life Wings 501c(3)

38700 French Field Way

Crawford, CO 81415

Hope West, Delta Colorado

195 Stafford Ln,

Delta, CO 81416