Charles V. Chaney

Charles Vanduser Chaney, Sr., 89, of Poplar Bluff, formerly of Sikeston, Mo. died Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at the Oakdale Care Center in Poplar Bluff.

Mr. Chaney was born July 10, 1922, in Morley, Mo. He was a current member of the First Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff and was a former member at the First Baptist Church in Sikeston, Mo. For over 45 years, Mr. Chaney served as a Sunday School Director and Deacon in Poplar Bluff and Sikeston and for the past three years had lead weekly Bible studies at Oakdale Care Center where he resided. Mr. Chaney was a WWII Veteran having served in General George Patton's Third Army. He was in The Battle of the Bulge, the last major Nazi offensive against the Allies in World War II. For his services he was awarded 4 Bronze Stars and a Good Conduct Medal. After returning from the war, Mr. Chaney served as a Chief Warrant Officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve and worked as Manager for Kroger Grocery Company. In 1959 he made a career change to real estate beginning with Saracini and Breeden Insurance and Real Estate Company in Poplar Bluff and later relocated to Sikeston, Mo. where he worked with his brother-in-law, owner of the C.D. Alcorn Real Estate Company. After 46 years in real estate he retired in 2005. He is remembered as an active member and former President of the Poplar Bluff Kiwanis Club and a Kiwanis International State Lieutenant Governor. He and his wife, Ruth, also owned and operated C & R Carvings and Woodworking.

Mr. Chaney enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, watching the St. Louis Cardinals, attending sporting events for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

On July 4, 1942, he married Ruth Louise Alcorn in Morley, Mo. He often bragged, ""they were happily married for 66 1/2 years, the fireworks started and they never stopped!"" She preceded him in death on Dec. 2, 2008.

Survivors include two children, Connie Taylor and her husband Paul of Poplar Bluff and Van Chaney and his wife Marjorie of Cibolo, TX; two grandchildren, Brian Taylor and his wife Melissa of Poplar Bluff and Carrie Pullin and her husband Matt of Frisco, TX; and two great-grandchildren, Gatlin Taylor and Wyatt Pullin.

His parents, Thomas J. and Alberta Vanduser Chaney and three brothers also preceded Mr. Chaney in death.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. Monday at The First Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff with Dr. William Vail officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at 3 p.m. Monday at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Mo.

Memorials may be made to the Now and Forever Fund, First Baptist Church, 551 North Westwood Blvd., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.

Family and friends may share an online condolence or memory at www.cotrellfuneralservice.com.