Boyd Owen Cheney

Boyd Owen Cheney went home to be with the Lord on March 13, 2025. He was born February 4, 1935, in Bennett, Nebraska to Ralph and Lena Cheney. He rode a horse to school and worked with his older brother Dwight and mother and father on their farm. When he was eight years old, his family moved to Decatur, Arkansas. They lived on a beautiful farm outside of town. Boyd worked not only on their family farm but also for other farmers when they needed extra help. He had a reputation for being a hard worker, and he gained experience in mechanics, engineering, livestock and all other things necessary to run a successful farm. He loved baseball and played both baseball and basketball for Decatur High School. He graduated from Decatur High School in 1954, and a year later married his high school sweetheart, Joann Codding. Boyd and Joann moved to Oklahoma City in 1955 where he worked as a diesel mechanic. His work ethic was extraordinary. He often worked more than one job once the kids came along, so that the family would have everything they needed. Boyd later went to work for the United States Postal Service and at one time had the longest walking route in Oklahoma City. Later, he worked for Cross Construction where he ran heavy equipment for large construction projects.

The thing that made Boyd so special was his love for his wife and his kids. He was a quiet and humble man with a servant’s heart and a great sense of humor. He was devoted to the Lord, his family, and his friends. He served as an elder of the Cornwell Drive Church of Christ for many years. He used his talents by helping to build classrooms at the church and a cabin at Lariat Creek Christian Camp for the youth group. His life embodied the fruits of the spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. He was a blessing to all who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years and 10 months, Joann, his son, Mike Cheney of Old Orchard Beach, Maine, daughter, Cathy Olaniyan and husband Akin of Tulsa, Oklahoma, daughter, Janet Stephens and husband Bob of Earlsboro, Oklahoma, 5 grandchildren who he loved dearly, Andy Stephens and wife Leslie of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Matt Stephens and wife Megan of Mustang, Oklahoma and Dineji Olaniyan of Tulsa, Oklahoma, 5 great- grandchildren who he delighted in: Peyton Stephens, Henry Boyd Stephens (his namesake), Rex Stephens, Casey Stephens and Sloan Stephens. He will be sorely missed.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to all the staff at The Regency Nursing facility for the love and care they provided Boyd over the last months of his life. Also, thanks to Loving Care Hospice especially Jalinda, Gail, Connie and Rebecca. You were all such a blessing.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Walker Funeral & Cremation Service on Monday, March 17, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. A funeral ceremony for Boyd will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 10:00 am at the Walker Funeral Chapel. Following the ceremony, he will be laid to rest at Resthaven Memorial Park. 

Casketbearers will be: Bob Stephens, Akin Olaniyan, Matt Stephens, Andy Stephens, Mike Cheney, and Dineji Olaniyan. 

Honorary Casketbearer: Tracy Gettle