Til Denton Cheney

Til Denton Cheney, born July 2, 1947, passed away surrounded by the people and memories he cherished most after a life well lived. A lifelong resident of Tulare, California, Til was the son of Tilford and Helen Cheney and was deeply rooted in the community he called home. Til attended Sundale Elementary School, Tulare Union High School, and later the College of the Sequoias in Visalia. During his school years, he participated in football and wrestling displaying the determination and work ethic that would define his life. He also honorably served in the National Guard. From childhood, Til's life revolved around horses and cattle. He was raised in the cattle industry and devoted his entire life to it. Whether caring for cattle, raising cows and calves, training horses, or helping friends with their livestock, Til's knowledge and skill were respected throughout the industry. He had a special gift with horses and was rarely without a good one by his side. Many sought him out to train horses, and his reputation as a horseman was known far and wide. Til loved every aspect of the cowboy way of life. He enjoyed roping, team penning, riding the working cow horses and carried that passion throughout his life. Brandings, doctoring cattle, and helping friends with livestock were second nature to him. When it came to livestock, there was little Til hadn't mastered. His occupations reflected his lifelong passions. Over the year he worked for Gil Cattle Company, Visalia Livestock Market, and served as Farm Crew Leader for the Tulare County Sheriffs Office. No matter where he worked, horses and cattle remained the center of his life. Til never met a stranger. A conversation quickly became a friendship, and a friendship often lasted a lifetime. He collected treasured friends beyond measure and was known as a true cowboy gentleman - loyal, genuine, and always willing to lend a hand. He remained true to himself and the life he loved until his final hours. Above all else, Til loved his family. There were the center of his heart. Followed closely by the many dear friends who became family along the way. His horses were more than animals; they were trusted partners and lifelong companions. Til cherished his life and the people who shared it with him. Til was preceded in death by his partners, Tilford and Helen Cheney; his daughter, Chrisi Lewis; his sister, Carole Wright; and his brother, Richard Cheney. He is survived by his best friend and partner, Jeanne Dawson; his son, Shawn Cheney (Phyllis); stepdaughter, Tonya Coleman (Paul); stepdaughter Becky Jackson; stepson, Jeremiah Johnson; grandchildren; Kelsi Lewis, Cole Lewis and Zach Lewis; Nicole Riley and Tiffany Wooden, sisters, Denise Cheney, and Nancy Machado, brother-in-law, Mike Machado; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and cherished friends. Til's legacy lives in the countless lives he touched, the friendships he built, and the love of horses, cattle, and family that defined him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. A celebration of Life for Til will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, 11:30 at the Tulare Golf Course. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and honor the remarkable life of a man who truly embodied the spirit of the cowboy. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Til Denton Cheney

July 2, 1947 - June 4, 2026