Roy C Chaney Jr., age 83, passed away on Saturday, June 30, 2018, in Canon City, Colorado ,surrounded by family. He had recently moved to Canon City from Colorado Springs. Where he resided for 47 ½ years. He was a retired chief warrant officer II in the United States Army.
Roy was born on Nov. 9, 1934, to Roy and Mildred (Gunderson) Chaney in Potlatch, Idaho. Roy was the oldest of eight siblings. On Dec. 27, 1958, he married Rosa Hahm, whom he had met during his first tour in Neu-Ulm, Germany. They celebrated 57 years of marriage.
Roy attended schools in Washington and Idaho under his middle name of Clifford, and didn’t realize that his legal name was Roy Jr. until joining the Army. He graduated from El Paso Community College (now Pikes Peak Community College) in 1979 with an Associate’s Degree in Police Science.
After joining the Army in 1950, Roy served stateside tours at Fort Lewis, Yakima Firing Center, Fort Polk, Fort Hood and two tours at Fort Carson. While stationed at Fort Lewis he played a small part as a German soldier in the Audie Murphy movie, “To Hell and Back.” He also served three tours in Germany, one in Korea and served in the Vietnam War from 1968-1969.
After retiring from the Army in 1973, following 23 years of service, Roy and Rosa decided to remain in Colorado Springs where they raised five children. He spent 19 years working as a security officer and also worked at Fort Carson Commissary and Main building 8000. He was medically retired on May 8, 2004.
Roy enjoyed fishing and playing cribbage. He alsoo volunteered countless hours and was a Fourth Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus at Fort Carson. Roy also volunteered to help set up a free lunch for soldiers being assigned to Fort Carson. This function was once a week, the cost of which was paid for by the Church’s Activity Funds. He represented the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Charities, and the Catholic Parish of Fort Carson. He was also a life member of the local and national Military Officer Association of America and member of the American Legion. He had most recently been volunteering at the Fort Carson USO, part-time.
Roy was a great example of strength and courage throughout his life to include his final days, before passing peacefully to return to his Heavenly Father. He was a loving husband, father, opa, brother and friend. He worked hard to provide for his family, at times working three jobs after retiring from the military. Roy will be remembered in countless ways, to include his unwavering support and time given to the soldiers on Fort Carson.
He is survived by his children: Daniele (Michael) Greer, Tanya (Robert) Croyl, Olav (Wendy) Chaney, Roy (Hyon) Chaney III and Desiree (Robert) Brianne: sisters: Margaret (Robert) Murphy, Donna Tonn and Betty (Ron) Raffelson: step-sisters: Mary White, Connie Chaney, Carmelia Chaney and Bernidene Graham: 19 grandchildren: 34 great-grandchildren: three great-great-grandchildren: many cousins, nieces, and nephews, both in the United States and in Germany. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Rosa, and his parents.
A visitation was held from 12-2 p.m. on Sunday, July 8, 2018 at Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 E Fountain Blvd. In Colorado Springs. A memorial service was held at 10 a.m. on Monday , July 9, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1830 S Corona Ave. in Colorado Springs. Interment was at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.
