Paul Raymon Cheaney Jr.

Paul Raymon Cheaney, Jr., 87, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 22, at Vitas Hospice House in Lecanto, FL. Paul was born on August 1, 1935, in Evansville, IN and was a son to the late Paul Raymon Cheaney and Mary Madeline Cheaney (nee Smith). He graduated from Mater Dei High School in Evansville in 1953.

After serving a stint in the Navy Reserve, he began his career in the beer business in Evansville. This was followed by a move to Centralia, IL, before settling in Louisville, KY. Starting as a beer truck driver, Paul eventually became President and co-owner of John Martin Distributor, Inc. in Louisville. He held that position until the company was sold. He relocated to Mt. Pleasant, SC, in 1995, before moving to Citrus Springs, FL in 2005. Paul had a strong work ethic – and was proud that he had worked from age 9 (paper route) until age 86 (Sears Home Store).

Paul is survived by his wife of 68 years, Rose Catherine (nee Schoenbachler). His 3 sons and their families survive him: Russell (Sandra), Brian (JoAnn Evans) and Richard (Lisa). Grandchildren: Sara Reagan (Greg), Ben (Kathryn), Michael (Taylor Colby), Matt (Hailey), and Nick Cheaney. Paul was preceded in death by his daughter Patricia Ann Cheaney Coleman.

Paul was the eldest of 8 children, all of whom survive him: Marion Seib, Alma Higbee, David Cheaney, Steve Cheaney, Ed Cheaney, Lori Scelsi, and Jim Cheaney.

Paul was a voracious reader, and especially enjoyed crime novels. He frequented the local library where he had read many books – some more than once. He always liked discussing books with family and friends. He enjoyed old movies and had a wealth of trivia knowledge. He loved the game of golf – playing it and watching it on TV.

In his later years, chair yoga classes became a highlight of his week. His yoga family (and instructor Ellen) at To Your Health Spa were a bright spot that brought him joy. He was fondly known as "Dancing Bear." Paul was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church where he was a faithful parishioner, and served as an usher and on the Finance Committee.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, July 5 at 11am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Citrus Springs, FL. Luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to: The Food Pantry of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 1460 W. St. Elizabeth Place, Citrus Springs, FL. 34434 and Vitas Inpatient Hospice Unit, 3350 W. Audubon Park Path, Lecanto, FL 34461.