Mitchell Cheatham

Mitchell was born in Indianapolis to Mitchell Lee Cheatham and Lois Ann (Campbell) Cheatham on January 9, 1971. He was welcomed into a loving family as the youngest of 12 children born to Mitchell and Lois. As the baby of the family, he was doted on and adored by his siblings. Even as a young child, Mitchell was extremely bright, once fooling everyone into believing he could read as a toddler after memorizing the pages of his favorite book when his mother read it to him. His older brothers taught him to play chess when he was 5 years old, and after that, none of them could beat him, even when they cheated. Mitchell was a mama’s boy, and his siblings fondly recalled him sitting on his mother’s lap until he was around 4 or 5 years old. He had a beautiful smile that lit up a room, just like his father.

He attended Reelsville Elementary and South Putnam High School, where he graduated. During his senior year, South Putnam won the state football championship, and Mitchell was a starter on defense. Mitchell went on to graduate from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, one of the top engineering schools in the world. He had been recruited by several other top universities in the nation and continued to play football in college. Intelligent and accomplished, Mitchell achieved a top SAT score, giving him a choice of where he would attend college. His lifelong interest in robotics made Rose-Hulman an obvious choice. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and was also a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity at Rose-Hulman.

One of the companies Mitchell worked for was Navistar, formerly known as International Harvester, the company from which his father retired. Mitchell built a successful career with Navistar, managing the design of a new assembly line in one of the company’s plants. His expertise later led Navistar to entrust him with several overseas initiatives designed to expand the company’s footprint.

While working overseas for Navistar, Mitchell met Beatrice Jackson Mkoma, whom he later married. Through their marriage, he gained a beloved daughter, Brenda Jackson. He spoke of Brenda with great pride and joy.

A few weeks before gaining his wings, Mitchell returned to his faith in Christ and confessed his love for God, thanking Him daily for his many blessings. He joyfully shared his renewed relationship with God with everyone he encountered.

Mitchell was preceded in death by his parents, Mitchell and Lois Cheatham, and his brother, David W. Cheatham.

Mitchell is survived by his wife Beatrice Jackson Mkoma; daughter, Brenda Jackson; his siblings, Michael Cheatham (Caprice), Rhonda Harper (Cleveland), Marcia Pervine, Carolyn LeAnn Ladd (Clete), Stephen Cheatham (Renee), Donald (Cat) Cheatham, Gary Cheatham (Elizabeth), Timothy Cheatham, Lonnie Cheatham, and Terry Cobb; his uncle, Robert (Doug) Cheatham; his aunt, Norma (Sue) Lasley; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. His loss leaves a void that can never be replaced in the lives of those who loved him.

A visitation for Mitchell will be held at Crown Hill Funeral Home, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46208, US, on August 28, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm with a Celebration of Life to follow at 12:00 pm.