Dale Thomas Cheney

Dale Thomas Cheney, age 64, of Dover, passed away peacefully early Tuesday morning, July 2, 2013, in the care of Community Hospice House at New Philadelphia following a lengthy illness related to Agent Orange exposure during his service in the Vietnam War.

Born at Ashtabula, November 14, 1948, he was a son of the late Harold and Lillian Berger Cheney. A gifted athlete at a young age, Dale graduated from Harbor High School with the class of 1967, and went on to play golf for the Kent State University Golden Flash Golf Team earning a listing in the Who’s Who of American Collegiate Golfers. Dale also received state honors for his weightlifting accomplishments.

Ever patriotic, Dale volunteered for service in the United States Marine Corps, following a family legacy of military service. He was a proud descendent of a Union Civil War soldier, the son of a World War II Army Veteran, and when his opportunity to serve came, he willingly deployed to Vietnam, earning honorable discharge as a Sergeant in March, 1972.

He returned to Ashtabula where Dale went to work operating the Walnut Beach along the shore of Lake Erie where he became reacquainted with Lenora Morse. The couple had literally known each other since birth, given that they were born just thirty-five minutes apart, in the same room, of the same hospital, and graduated together from the same high school. They wed March 3, 1974, and celebrated 39 years of marriage together, with Dale never letting Lenora forget that she was the older of the two.

For most of his life, Dale worked in supply management for Praxair and ultimately relocated to Dover working at Amoco, a subsidiary of Praxair, until disability necessitated his early retirement.

He’ll be remembered by his family for his love of the United States, especially its history and government. He was a member of the Tuscarawas County Civil War Roundtable, The Civil War Trust, The U.S. Grant Monument Association, and the Grant Cottage Association. Ever a believer in sharing knowledge, he was a member of Friends of the Dover Public Library. Dale was also a member of VFW Post 1445 at New Philadelphia.

In his leisure time, Dale enjoyed playing golf and following the Cleveland Indians. The Tribe delivered a win over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday, with Dale watching for the final time from his home.

In addition to his wife, Lenora, of Dover, survivors include two sons, Robert (wife, Bronwen) Cheney of New Orleans, LA, and Kyle (wife, Missy) Cheney of Copley.
Two grandchildren, Julia and Joey Cheney of Copley, and a brother, Les (wife, Cindy) Cheney of Mogadore, complete the family.

Cremation is planned, and the family will gather privately for military honors in Western Reserve National Cemetery at Rittman. There is no public visitation or service planned.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW New Philadelphia OH 44663.

To share memories and condolences with the Cheney family, please visit Dale’s permanent online memorial at www.geibcares.com