John Campbell Chaney

1946 - 2023

John Campbell Chaney, age 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 25. John was born May 27, 1946, and was a lifelong resident of Zachary, LA. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Kathleen "Katie" Shackelford Chaney, sons John Brad (Angelle) and Christopher Mark (Jeree), and grandchildren McKae Chaney Troth (Ethan), Griffen Chaney, Emma and Stella Chaney. John is also survived by siblings Carolyn "Lyn" Chaney, Ann Chaney Braun, and Walker L "Butch" Chaney Jr. (Patricia "Pat") and nieces/nephews Kimberly Jenkins Clifton, Pamela Jenkins Smith, Anne Marie Lenz, Lauri Leigh Rok, Paul Chaney and Susie Chaney Thorne. John is preceded in death by his parents, Walker L Chaney, Sr. and Ruth Campbell Chaney. After graduating Zachary High School in 1964, John attended Northwestern State University, later following in his father's career path, becoming a Pipefitter through local 198 Plumbers and Pipefitter Apprenticeship Program. John was an entrepreneur at heart, and after working construction for many years he and his brother Butch started Chaney Brothers, providing livestock, set decorating and movie props to the motion picture industry. John and Butch both remained active in the movie business, John later joining jklivin, developing a lifelong friendship with Matthew McConaughey, where movie productions took them across the globe. John was very proud of his hometown Zachary and no matter where travels took him, he was eager to tell folks about Zachary. When asked where he was from, John always stated, "I'm from Zachary, Louisiana" which usually led to a lengthy discussion of all the great qualities of Zachary, always ending with John saying, "Yeah, it's paradise." He would often follow up by sending them copies of Zachary Faces and Places: A History of the City of Zachary, Louisiana, where numerous copies, thanks to John Chaney are on many bookshelves across the world. He remained a true ambassador for the city of Zachary. John had a goal in life to meet as many people as he could while on this earth, and he far exceeded that goal by not only meeting many people but, developing close relationships with most of the people he connected with over the years. John maintained his local 198 Plumber and Pipefitter Union membership over the years and considered many of his "Local 198" brothers some of his closest friends. John was a mentor and father figure to many young men in the Zachary area and beyond, having a unique ability to diffuse a situation and put people at ease. A true gentleman in every sense of the word, we need more John Chaney's in this world. Our family would like to thank Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, PAM Health Specialty Hospital of Hammond, The Neuro Medical Center of Baton Rouge, Grace Nursing Home, The Lodge at Lane and Clarity Hospice. Special thanks to Emmerson Williams, Bob Fonte, Danny Singleton, Mike Kent, and Matthew & Camilla McConaughey for their continued support throughout John's journey. Per John's wishes his body was donated to LSU Medical School and a celebration of life will be held in his honor at a future date for friends and family to share all the great memories they have of John Chaney. Donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Wounded Warriors Foundation.