Kenneth Richard Chene,

Virginia Beach- Kenneth Richard Chene, Sr., 77, passed away June 8, 2011 with his family by his side while listening to "The Best of Leadbelly". Ken was a native of Detroit, Michigan. He retired after 20 years of service with the United States Marine Corps, and was a Vietnam Veteran. Ken loved music, was a voracious reader, and volunteered with local art organizations and libraries. He read four books in his last week including, "The World in 1924-Searching for Robert Johnson" and "Lady Sings the Blues". Ken was also an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers. Ken is predeceased by his parents Clyde and Daisy Chene and his son Kenneth Richard Chene, Jr. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 25 years Betty Gayle Chene, and his first wife Dolores Chene; daughters Susan Chelsy Carter, Karen Marie Schloeder, and Emilee Lyman Smith-Eiseman; sons Steven Wendell Chene, John Clyde Chene, Christopher David Chene, Kevin Paul Chene, Sr., Norman Ralph Smith, and John Kevin Smith; sister Joan Clinton of Allen Park, Michigan; fifteen grandchildren Randy Chene, Lori Chene, Stephanie Jacob, Harry Schloeder, Lilly Schloeder, Megan Chene, Alex Chene, Zachary Chene, Britny Garceau, Kevin Chene, Jr., Scott Sears, Sara Eiseman, Jacob Eiseman, Trevor Eiseman, and Olivia Eiseman; five great grandchildren Marissa Rivera, Gregory Rodriguez, Elliot Jacob, Ethan Jacob, and Paige Garceau; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 16, 2011 at 2pm in Woodlawn Funeral Home Chapel, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd. Norfolk. Full military honors will be provided by the United States Marine Corps. Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.