Reverend David Pope Cheverton, 81, of Madison Heights, died January 22, 2012, surrounded by people who loved him. He was the husband of Linda for 27 years. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Dr. Cecil Frank and Vivian Pope Cheverton, and a sister, Jeanne Dunn.
Born May 7, 1930 in Los Angeles, California, David was devoted to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) his entire life. He graduated from Texas Christian University and Lexington Theological Seminary, and was ordained as a minister in 1954.
He began his career as the state youth director for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Kentucky. The churches he served were the Republican Christian Church in Kentucky, Rocky Mount Christian Church and Doe Run Christian Church in Rocky Mount, First Christian Church in Pulaski, First Christian Church in Lynchburg, First Christian Church in Bluefield, WV, First Christian Church in Winchester, and Gayton Road Christian Church in Richmond. After 43 years as a minister, he retired in 1997 and became a member of the Timberlake Christian Church in Lynchburg in 2004.
His extra-curricular ministerial activities included preaching revivals in Virginia and West Virginia, and leading church related Appalachian Trail back-packing excursions for young people of high school and college age for 14 years.
He was also active over the years in many civic concerns, especially the Red Cross bloodmobile program, both in administration and an active donor for many years. He participated in the wood program through the Church of the Covenant in Lynchburg for many years, as well as a similar program in Richmond.
He and his wife served for several years as volunteer food deliverers for the Central Virginia Area Agency on Aging. He loved woodworking, the outdoors, fishing and camping, and was most happy sitting by a campfire at night.
He is survived by his wife, Linda, and step-children, Carin Prescott, and Tim Prescott (Lisa). He is also survived by Helen Simpson, the mother his children, Daniel P. Cheverton (Janice), J. Michael Cheverton (Teresa), Suzanne C. Bowman (Robert), and Sarah Cheverton. He leaves four grandchildren: Jonathan Cheverton (Mary), Lindsey Zovko (Carl), Jessica Taylor (Jay), Jeremy Bowman, and one great-grandchild, Lily Zovko.
He is also survived by his brother, Richard Cheverton from Knoxville, TN, and a sister, Loraine Lacey (Ron) from Anaheim, CA, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service is being held at Timberlake Christian Church on Saturday, January 28, 2012, at 2:00 PM, with Reverend Dr. Robert Mooty officiating. The family is welcoming friends and family at Tharp Funeral Home in Lynchburg on Friday, January 27, 2012, from 6:00-8:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Timberlake Christian Church Sign Fund, 20261 Lynchburg Highway, Lynchburg, VA 24502.
Tharp Funeral Home in Lynchburg is assisting the family (434) 237-9424.
