Donald L. Chaney

CHANEY, Donald L.
SMSGT USAF, ret.
of Kalamazoo, Michigan Donald L. Chaney, age 74, passed away on Monday, March 11, 2013. He was born October 6, 1938 in Celina, OH a son of Mary Huffman and Virgil Chaney. His mother worked hard to take care of the children and Don learned his strong work ethic from his mother. He also built a strong faith in God and the stressed importance of family from her. Don joined the US Air Force in July of 1960. He earned many awards, medals, and ribbons including a Purple Heart for wounds received in Vietnam. On September 30, 1980, Don retired as a Senior Master Sergeant after 20 years and 2 months of service. Upon retiring, Don moved to Kalamazoo where he enjoyed 18 years with National Waterlift and 5 years with Kal Aero before really retiring. He loved nature and especially enjoyed working in his numerous perennial gardens and taking care of the many birds in his backyard. Don was a member of Haven Church and Bronson Health Club. Don was a devoted husband. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and puttering around in his workshop. He always greeted people with a hug and a huge smile. Don took care of the people around him. He was very careful to be sure that everyone had what they needed. He loved Jesus and was always ready to share His love with others. Don was preceded in death by his: first wife, Judy Rowland and second wife, Kay Brcka; son, Shawn Chaney; step-son, Michael Smith; father, Virgil Chaney; step-father, Mike Keith; sister-in-law, Nancy Chaney. On July 24, 2004, Don was united in marriage with the former Beverly Laude Freese, who survives. Also surviving are: a daughter, Dawn Cowels of Portage; five step-daughters, Michelle Dennis Caskey of Caledonia, Melanie Tim Rankin of Kalamazoo, Melissa Daynon Peebles of Kalamazoo, Jennifer Mike Baily and Angela Brcka; three grandchildren, Eric, Tyler and Cassie Cowels; seven step-grandchildren, Ben & Sam Caskey, Carson, Morgan & Paityn Rankin and Brycen & Kenadie Peebles; his mother, Mary Keith of VanWert, OH; a brother, Harold Chaney of Manitou Beach, MI; a sister, Connie Don Cowgill of Findley, OH; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street. Services will be held 11:30 Friday morning at Haven Church, 5350 N. Sprinkle Road, with Pastor Keith Lohman, officiating. Burial with military honors will be held in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Disabled American Veterans.