RALPH ELDER CHEWNING Jr.

1951 - 2015

RALPH (BUDDY) ELDER CHEWNING JR. Ralph (Buddy) Elder Chewning Jr., 63, passed away April 25, 2015, in Overland Park, Kan. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Buddy was born in Atlanta, Ga., on May 9, 1951. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Kathleen L. (Coons) and Ralph Elder Chewning. He is survived by his loving wife and high school sweetheart of 41 years, Karen Beasley Chewning; children, Brandey Smith (Brian), Drew Chewning (Kaianne); grandchildren, Aislinn Smith, Madelinn Smith, Easton Chewning and London Chewning. Also survived by brother, Richard (Cathy); brother-in-law, Gary Beasley (Bonnie); nieces and nephews, Mary Catherine Parris (Buddy), Elizabeth Benz (Todd), Richard Chewning Jr., Brittany Slagle (Derek), Brent Beasley and Blake Beasley; and cousins, Mary Jane Murphy (David), Roy Chewning (Connie), Yvonne Watson (Jimmy), and Nancy Faye Keesling (Bill). He began his career at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta on July 2, 1973, as assistant examiner trainee. He started with the FDIC as a senior assistant examiner in November 1980. He was promoted to examiner in 1981. He was transferred to Omaha, Neb., in 1984 to take a position as senior banking analyst. In 1985 he was transferred to Kansas City where he held the roles of case manager, senior case manager and internal auditor. He retired from FDIC on May 31, 2013. Buddy graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 1973. He was a Certified Public Accountant. He graduated from the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University in 1986. He served 11 years as an instructor for four examination training schools specializing in Financial Analysis Techniques for financial institutions and bank holding companies, and served as a mentor for junior examiners. Buddy had many hobbies, including woodworking, pen making and singing in the Trails West Barber Shop choir. He was also a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church of Stanley where he sang in the church choir for 30 years. He loved to work in the yard and he was an avid car enthusiast. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at the Presbyterian Church of Stanley, 14895 Antioch Rd., Overland Park, KS 66221, where the family will receive friends following the service. To leave a message for the family, please visit www.Penwellgabelolathe.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society or The Presbyterian Church of Stanley ECO.