Kevin T. Cheney

SALEM - Kevin Todd Cheney, 61, of Salem, Ohio, was called to be with his Lord on November 18, 2025, after bravely battling pancreatic cancer for almost two years. During his illness, Kevin displayed courage, tenacity, humility, and his absolute adoration for his wife, Trudy, and his two sons, Brandon and Nicholas.

Kevin was born on April 25,1964, in Conneaut, Ohio, to Russell and Joan (Plank) Cheney. He loved spending time with his wife and family, enjoying music (especially rock), collecting and playing guitars, exploring Mill Creek Park, small-batch coffee, and a good IPA. Kevin was an avid researcher when it came to anything that struck his interest and had vast knowledge of countless topics, which benefited many people.

Kevin spent his career in retail and was sought after for building out and managing retail operations ranging from auto parts to hardware. He was known throughout the communities he worked in as a highly knowledgeable customer service advocate. Customers received a smile, genuine kindness, integrity, knowledge, and a good conversation. Employees looked to him as a friend and a mentor. Although a man of fewer words, what he did say would be meaningful, perhaps even profound, and likely delivered with a gift for making people laugh.

Though Kevin did not like being the center of attention, he will be remembered for all that he was: a devoted husband, son, brother, uncle, father, and loyal friend. He quietly doted on those he loved through deeply personal and unexpected gestures--the things that someone who pays close attention sees--the little details of life; details like decorating craft paper with beautiful hand drawn designs for Christmas presents, creating a hand-crafted scrapbook with life's special moments for his wife, sending a small gift, or leaving a silly voicemail to let you know you were thought of for no particular reason. After twenty-nine years of marriage, he and Trudy had the best times simply being together, and he still found ways to create little 'moments of love' for her in unexpected ways. They loved browsing antique stores, attending concerts, dining at local/regional restaurants, taking impromptu weekend trips, or merely enjoying a cup of locally roasted coffee. Simply put, he loved his wife and family; they are who he dedicated his life and time to.

Kevin was preceded in death by cherished family members Russell Cheney (father), Russell and Katherine Lottman (father- and mother-in-law), Bill and Lois (Lottman) Pennell (brother- and sister-in-law), and Ray Shelton (brother-in-law).

He is survived by his best friend and wife, deeply in love for 33 years, Trudy (Lottman) Cheney; his adored children, Brandon (Laura Cole) Marchese and Nicholas and Samantha (Stultz) Cheney, his beloved mother Joan Plank Cheney; his dearly loved siblings Mary (Michael) Hinton, Brian Cheney, Jennifer (John) Ford, and Katrina Cheney; his treasured in-laws Mike and Brenda (Lottman) Carnal, Mike and Marsha (Lottman) Rozeski, and Cathy (Lottman) Shelton; his devoted nieces and nephews Todd Cellars, Clint and Tara (Cellars) Price, Tiffany (Cellars) Heald, Ryan and Megan (Terrell), Pennell, Tony and Carly (Shelton) Houshour, Ray and Erica (Shelton) Harr, Stephanie (James Thompson) Shelton, and his exceptionally devoted great-niece, Devan Houshour; his precious grandchildren Russell and Nicholas Cheney, Giovanni Angelo, and Sergio, Koa, Raphael, and Meadow Marchese; and his life-long friend and chosen brother Rob (Lori) Kantner and his loving family, along with other family members too numerous to list.

In keeping with Kevin's wishes, there will be no public services. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, donations to Angels for Animals (angelsforanimals.org) or the American Cancer Society (cancer.org) in honor of Kevin would be greatly appreciated.

Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

To view Kevin's obituary or send condolences visit www.starkmemorial.com.