Walter C. Chaney, Jr.

Walter C. Chaney Jr., 90, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2023 at the Selma Markowitz Care Center in Newark. He was born in Newark, Ohio to the late Walter C. Chaney and Louise (Varner) Chaney. Walter was the beloved husband of LaVonne (Gander) Chaney. They shared 63 wonderful years together.

Walt graduated from Newark High School in 1951. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in architecture from The Ohio State University, School of Engineering, in 1957. Walt was an employee of Orville Varasso Architects and Associates for 13 years. He then worked as a plan build architect for JT Feid Company for 18 years and later worked as a building inspector and plan examiner with the city of Newark. Walt was a well-respected architect and leaves a legacy in his design and construction of numerous buildings in and around Licking County.

Walt was very active in his church and the community. He was a long-time member of Centenary United Methodist Church in Granville, Ohio where he served as President of Church Council for 5 years, on various other committees, and alongside LaVonne as youth coordinators throughout the years. He also served on the Buildings and Grounds committee for the Newark District for 35 years. An active member of Kiwanis for 48 years, Walt served as President of the Granville Club, Lieutenant Governor of Division 10E, and was awarded Kiwanian of the Year (2020-2021).  He was a member of Masonic Lodge #97, Aladdin Shrine, a founding member of the Granville Recreation District, and alongside LaVonne, a dedicated volunteer at the Look Up Center’s after school program for 15 years. Walt will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

Surviving are his wife, LaVonne (Gander) Chaney; son, Wally (Alma) Chaney; daughter, Leslie (Steve) Shea; and grandchildren, Matt (fiancé Mikayla), Katelyn (friend Michael), Carlos, and Andrea.

In addition to his parents, Walt was preceded in death by his sister, Marjorie Chaney, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harry and Iva Gander.

A funeral celebrating Walt’s life will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at Centenary U.M. Church. 102 E. Broadway, Granville with Rev. Casey Wilson and Rev. Bob Long as celebrants. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Granville.

The family will receive friends Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. in Shepherd Hall at the church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mcpeekhoekstra.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Vertical 196, The Look Up Center, Youth Missions at Centenary U.M. Church, or Hospice of Central Ohio.  

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