Michael Thomas Chesney

CHESNEY, Michael Thomas

Michael T. Chesney, PhD, Lt. Col. (Ret) of Austin, Texas, passed away on August 6, 2014, after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. He was 84. Michael was born in Mt. Carmel, Pennsylvania, to Thomas and Gabriella Chesney.

Michael was a 1947 graduate of Mt. Carmel High School and entered the United States Air Force in 1948. In July of 1959, he married the love of his life, Carmen Navarro. With the loving support of his wife Carmy, Michael completed a distinguished 22 year military career and retired in 1970 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Duty assignments with the United States Air Force included decorated service as Michael was awarded numerous medals. During the Korean War, as a navigator bombardier, he completed a tour of 50 light bomber combat missions on B-26 Invader aircraft. Other duty assignments were instructor navigator, B-52 nuclear bomber aircraft navigator, and Minuteman Missile ICBM operations.

Dr. Chesney's second career, 1970-1992, was as an educator. His academic degrees included a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin in 1958, a M.B.A from Ohio State University in 1967, a M.S. in Economics from South Dakota State University in 1972, and a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin in 1979. He was a member of the faculty at Texas State University in San Marcos, St. Edward's University in Austin, and the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Chesney's teaching fields were economics and business administration. He was admired by his colleagues and respected by his students.

Michael was a religious man, humble person, caring son, devoted husband, and loving father and grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Carmen N. Chesney; daughters Karen Anne and husband Ross A. Miles of San Antonio, TX, and Carol Lynne and husband John V. McPhaul of Austin, TX; grandson, Barrett McPhaul, and step-grandchildren, Daniel, Nicole and Lauren Miles.

His family wishes to thank all of his doctors and nurses, especially his oncologist, Dr. James Uyeki, and his long-time doctor & friend, Dr. Ferril C. Smith. The family is grateful to special family friends Janie Rivera, Janie Cantu, and Georgia Puente. Additionally, the family expresses their appreciation to the Plaza team at the Querencia at Barton Creek.

A Memorial Service will be celebrated on Thursday, August 21, 2014, 11:30 a.m. at Harrell Funeral Home Chapel, 4435 Frontier Trail, Austin, TX, with a Celebration of Life reception immediately following at Onion Creek Country Club, Demaret Room, Austin, TX. Private interment will be at a later date at Assumption Mausoleum Chapel, Austin, TX.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, P.O. Box 17575, Austin, TX, 78760 or a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be sent to: www.harrellfuneralhomes.com