Obituary of Richard Merlin Cheney

Richard Merlin Cheney beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather  went home to our heavenly father September 26, 2021, at the age of 70. Richard was surrounded by the love of his family, comfort of his favorite music and holding the love of his life's hand.

Richard was born October 12, 1950 in Seattle Washington to Gerald and Dorothy Cheney.  Graduated from Cooper High School in New Hope MN in June 1969 and enlisted in the United States Air Force three weeks later.

Richard was enlisted  from June 23, 1969 to June 30, 1984 ending his military career as an E5/ Staff Sergeant with an Honorable Discharge. His military accomplishments include Crew Chief working on B52 Bombers in Strategic Air Command.

SSgt Cheney was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

In 1984 Richard  left the military to follow his dreams, becoming a country music entertainer. He moved to Hendersonville, TN to start to his life’s great adventures in the music industry as Richard Chaney. Richard released two country music albums with his band The Road Company and four singles topping the Indie and Cash Box Charts. In 1989 Rich was nominated for Independent Artist of the Year, Independent Male Artist of the Year and Single of The Year for “Past the Point of No Return”. Rich and his band toured all over the United States later joining the USO touring the Asian Pacific to support our armed forces.

In 1989 Rich met the love of his life Viola (Deb) Whispell and convinced her to tour the world with him. They would marry on September 2, 1995 in a cornfield on the Gebhardt family property in Iowa.

Richard had many great passions in life, the most important would be love for his family and faith. He deeply believed in Community, Fellowship and his devotion to Christianity studies. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and growing a bountiful garden with his wife.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife Viola (Deb) Cheney, children Michael Cheney, Richard (Lisa) Cheney,  Dale Owens, Misty (Charles) Schulze and Cherish Cheney, sister JoAnn Frank, sixteen grand children, two great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews and amazing loving friends.

Richard impacted so many peoples lives with humor, wisdom, tenacity and love.

We honor him October 12, 2021, All are welcome to show Rich as much love as he gave to everyone!!!

Visitations will be held at  Cremation Society of Minnesota from 9:00 am -12:00 pm.

Cremation Society of Minnesota

Minneapolis Chapel

4343 Nicollet Ave. South

Minneapolis, MN 55409

Then Military Honors Service and burial will commence at Fort Snelling at 1:00pm.

Fort Snelling

7601 34th Ave S.

Minneapolis, MN 5545