Reon Lyle Chaney

Reon Lyle Chaney passed away on the morning of Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at the Sterling Regional MedCenter. Reon was born on August 2nd, 1935 in Sterling, Colorado. He was the son of Earl Chaney and Lillie Sonneman. Reon lived his early years on the family farm one mile north of Haxtun with his older brother, Dale. Reon’s education began at a one room school house and continued on at Haxtun High School, where he graduated in 1953. Reon immediately enlisted in the Army and attended basic training at Ft. Campbell, KY. He was then attached to the 82nd Airborne Division 504, E company, where he was appointed jump master and credited with 45 jumps. Reon returned to the family farm after 4 years and was transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve in Colorado. On September 9, 1960 he married Katherine Madeline (Madge) Rodgers. In 1968, Reon again transferred to a newly formed unit, the 19th Special Forces 5th Bn. In 1970 Reon was granted the title of Master Parachutist after completing 65 jumps. Reon continued his career in both farming and the military. In 1974 he and Madeleine adopted a son, Dale. In 1981, Reon was appointed Command Sergeant Major, and in 1988 he retired from the military to concentrate on farming full time. After losing his first wife, Reon remarried, taking Muriel Brown as his wife on August 2, 2004 in Gordon, Nebraska. This was attended by his son Dale and his family. Reon and Muriel then travelled to numerous places including Germany, Russia, France, England, Italy, Australia and many points in between. Reon was well known for his marketing skills, farming abilities, his love of travel, and his love of history. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lillie, father, Earl, wife, Madeleine, brother, Dale and two infant children; Samuel and Mary. He is survived by his wife Muriel, son Dale and three grandchildren; Emily, Adrianna and Ryan. Funeral services will be Friday, October 30, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at the Haxtun United Methodist Church, concluding with military honors at the church. Friends who wish may make memorial contributions to the David Harmon scholarship fund or the Katherine M. Chaney scholarship fund c/o Tennant Funeral Home, P.O. Box 486, Haxtun, CO 80731.