Brother Charles “Chuck” Cheek Passes Away After Battling Stage 4 Cancer

Temple, Texas—It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that SMART-TD honors the life and remembers the legacy of Brother Charles “Chuck” Cheek, who passed away on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the age of 53.

A member of Local 331 who previously served as a Local Chairperson for LCA 393C, Chuck was sadly diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in August 2024.

As he began navigating the difficult and taxing medical road that comes with a terminal cancer diagnosis, our SMART-TD family showed what solidarity is all about. Thanks in part to the efforts of current local union leadership, over $22,000 was raised to assist with Chuck’s financial burden as he underwent surgery and chemotherapy treatments. This was done through a benefit event, meal fundraisers, raffles, a GoFundMe campaign, and many generous personal donations.

While Chuck’s initial progress was positive, he peacefully passed away after his last chemotherapy treatment. His resilience and courage throughout his battle with cancer were a powerful inspiration to all who had the good fortune to know him.

We extend our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Kristi, and their family. We also want to extend our sympathy Brother Cheek’s Union family at Local 331. Most importantly, we want to express our gratitude for the powerful impression that Chuck Cheek left on both working families in Texas and our union.