1950
Christopher
2017
Christopher Chaney
July 16, 1950 — August 28, 2017
Christopher Ervin Chaney of Overland Park, KS passed away on August 28, 2017 after a long, brave struggle with Alzheimer’s. He demonstrated courage and strength during his journey, always trying to make it easier for all around him, especially his wife Janet, whom he called a saint.
Chris lived 67 years loving his family, his work and his church. Chris was born July 16, 1950, in Deepwater, Missouri, south of Clinton. Chris completed his undergraduate and master’s degrees at Central Missouri State in 1972 and 1974, respectively, and his doctorate at Kansas State University in 1975. He taught data processing and business at CMSU for five years and was a favorite teacher to many students. He worked in the IT profession as an assistant Vice President at Mutual of Omaha, CIO at Franklin Savings and Johnson County Community College and lastly at DST Systems. He was a well-liked and respected leader to many at every place he worked.
Chris loved growing up in the small town of Deepwater. He loved reading the Clinton and Kansas City newspapers cover to cover until the disease no longer allowed him to.
Chris loved his family dearly and was a great role model for them. He was a sports coach to each of his three children and was involved in all of their activities. Chris loved his grandchildren and loved caring for his namesake, little Chris. He and Janet were inseparable for 39 years and she will miss her closest friend deeply.
Chris was very active in his church, serving as President, Sunday school teacher, stewardship chairman, new member visitor, usher, confirmation guide, as well as many other roles.
Alzheimer’s is a disease that leaves you frustrated and bored because you can no longer do the things you enjoy doing, yet the days go on endlessly. Alzheimer’s take away so many things and is different for each person. For Chris, he lost his dexterity, his peripheral vision and then most of his sight. He lost the ability to speak coherently and comprehend the events around him. Chris was so caring and intelligent, he handled his limitations with strength and bravery. He voluntarily gave up driving when he needed to, something he loved to do. He kept his caring, sweet, loving personality until the end. If you would like to read about his Alzheimer’s journey, please visit http://sherriarmel.blogspot.com/2014/10/chris-chaney-altered-mind.html.
The family wishes to thank so many people for their love and support during this journey, especially friends from his church and neighborhood. A special thanks to Jeanne Reeder who guided us through the disease for four years. To Mary and Jeff for helping Chris over the past year while he was able to be at home, and to the wonderful staff at Prairie Elder Care who made his last four months as comfortable as possible.
Chris is preceded in death by his parents Ervin and Julia Chaney, and brother-in-law John Williams. He leaves his wife Janet, son Craig Christopher Chaney and wife Shanan, grandchildren Kennedy, Gavin and Christopher (his namesake); daughter Candace (Chaney) Varner and husband Zack, grandchildren Zoe and Julia; son Clark Christopher Chaney and fiancée Ciara; sister Carleda Williams, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Johnson County Chapel and Memorial Gardens on Friday, September 1st from 6 to 8 p.m., as well as 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 2nd at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 7851 W 119th Street Overland Park KS, followed by the funeral at 11:00 a.m. and reception at 12:00 p.m.
Contributions in memory of Chris may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at 3846 W 75th Street, Prairie Village, KS.
Chris lived 67 years loving his family, his work and his church. Chris was born July 16, 1950, in Deepwater, Missouri, south of Clinton. Chris completed his undergraduate and master’s degrees at Central Missouri State in 1972 and 1974, respectively, and his doctorate at Kansas State University in 1975. He taught data processing and business at CMSU for five years and was a favorite teacher to many students. He worked in the IT profession as an assistant Vice President at Mutual of Omaha, CIO at Franklin Savings and Johnson County Community College and lastly at DST Systems. He was a well-liked and respected leader to many at every place he worked.
Chris loved growing up in the small town of Deepwater. He loved reading the Clinton and Kansas City newspapers cover to cover until the disease no longer allowed him to.
Chris loved his family dearly and was a great role model for them. He was a sports coach to each of his three children and was involved in all of their activities. Chris loved his grandchildren and loved caring for his namesake, little Chris. He and Janet were inseparable for 39 years and she will miss her closest friend deeply.
Chris was very active in his church, serving as President, Sunday school teacher, stewardship chairman, new member visitor, usher, confirmation guide, as well as many other roles.
Alzheimer’s is a disease that leaves you frustrated and bored because you can no longer do the things you enjoy doing, yet the days go on endlessly. Alzheimer’s take away so many things and is different for each person. For Chris, he lost his dexterity, his peripheral vision and then most of his sight. He lost the ability to speak coherently and comprehend the events around him. Chris was so caring and intelligent, he handled his limitations with strength and bravery. He voluntarily gave up driving when he needed to, something he loved to do. He kept his caring, sweet, loving personality until the end. If you would like to read about his Alzheimer’s journey, please visit http://sherriarmel.blogspot.com/2014/10/chris-chaney-altered-mind.html.
The family wishes to thank so many people for their love and support during this journey, especially friends from his church and neighborhood. A special thanks to Jeanne Reeder who guided us through the disease for four years. To Mary and Jeff for helping Chris over the past year while he was able to be at home, and to the wonderful staff at Prairie Elder Care who made his last four months as comfortable as possible.
Chris is preceded in death by his parents Ervin and Julia Chaney, and brother-in-law John Williams. He leaves his wife Janet, son Craig Christopher Chaney and wife Shanan, grandchildren Kennedy, Gavin and Christopher (his namesake); daughter Candace (Chaney) Varner and husband Zack, grandchildren Zoe and Julia; son Clark Christopher Chaney and fiancée Ciara; sister Carleda Williams, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Johnson County Chapel and Memorial Gardens on Friday, September 1st from 6 to 8 p.m., as well as 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 2nd at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 7851 W 119th Street Overland Park KS, followed by the funeral at 11:00 a.m. and reception at 12:00 p.m.
Contributions in memory of Chris may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at 3846 W 75th Street, Prairie Village, KS.
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