Steven Cheney

CHENEY, Steven E. Age 57 of Vandalia, passed away on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. He is survived by his parents Bill and Betty Cheney of Alfred Station, NY, children Alysha Cheney of Dayton, OH, Andrew Cheney of Dayton, OH, and Adam Cheney of Dayton, OH, grandson John Oliver Poe of Dayton, OH, brothers William (Brenda) Cheney of Fairfax Station, VA, David (Olga) Cheney of Palm Coast, FL, and Ken (Julie) Cheney of St Louis, MO, sisters Katherine Alley of Redford, MI and Susan ( Eric) Otto of Yukon, OK, 14 nieces and nephews, and 5 great-nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Katherine’s husband, Gale Alley.

Born at Patrick Air Force Base in Satellite Beach, FL, Steve and his siblings grew up in an Air Force family and became accustomed to frequent relocations. Steve readily learned to make new friends quickly; he attended elementary schools in Virginia, Indiana, and Ohio, then graduated from Beavercreek High School in Ohio in 1983. He played football in high school until broken bones ended his dream of becoming a professional player, but he always loved the game, especially “his” Ohio State Buckeyes and Cincinnati Bengals. He attended technical schools in Ohio and Massachusetts, learning not only HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) installation and maintenance, but also home appliance installation and repair. His many employers over the years included Sears and Huber Heights Schools, but his favorite job was maintaining the raised-floor environments of LexisNexis’ massive computer centers. After medical issues ended that work in 2005 and forced him onto disability, Steve worked at a variety of short-term maintenance and custodial jobs as his health permitted until 2020, when the COVID pandemic precluded any further work. Through all his medical challenges he maintained a positive attitude, and looked forward to a time when he would be able to resume full time work.

Many of Steve’s friends and family members have shared their recollections, including: a very positive people person – loved to laugh and play around – chose kindness and loyalty to all – great sense of humor – always had my back – a true Bengals and Ohio State fan – loved doing things with family and friends – the best smile - loved his rock and roll – always helping others – touched so many people’s lives – a wonderful person – most loving and caring soul – great spirit for life – a friend to everyone – makes you feel special – he would literally give you the shirt off his back - if the measure of success in life is in possessions and position, then Steve maybe didn’t amount to much, but if the measure is love, then he was one of the richest men I know - Steve was loved, and he will be greatly missed - the world needs more people like Steve.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at the Tobias Funeral Home – Beavercreek Chapel, 3970 Dayton-Xenia Rd. with interment to follow at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens in New Carlisle. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10. Memorial contributions may be made in Steven’s name to the American Kidney Fund. https://www.kidneyfund.org/