Obituary for Kelly Chaney

Kelly Lee Chaney

(December 19, 1956 – May 25, 2016)

Kelly Chaney, age 59, long time resident of Ponca City, Oklahoma, passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2016 in Ponca City.

A graveside ceremony will be held at 10:00am Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at Resthaven Memorial Park, the family requests that attendance at the cemetery be limited to family and coaching colleagues. A ceremony to gratefully remember his life will be held at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at the Robson Field House, Ponca City High School with Chaplain Tom Howard and Dwight Winburn officiating. Honorary casket bearers will be his coaching colleagues and former athletes. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory.

Kelly was born on December 9, 1956 to Roy Francis Chaney and Shirley Larue Cochran Chaney in Miami, OK. Miami is where Kelly was raised and was known as an outstanding all-around athlete. Accomplishments include interception, reception and sprint records. His athletic ability and handsome mustache helped him catch his sweetheart. Following high school, he played football at NEO A&M. On July 30, 1977, Kelly married his high school sweetheart Tamara Ann Young in Miami. Kelly’s hard work ethic became apparent as he worked nights beside his dad, building tires at BF Goodrich, in order to pay for their education. The plant workers called him "The Professor" because he studied while waiting for the hot tire molds to open. Kelly was proud to have begun his coaching career under the supervision of L.D. Bains, his coach and a high school football coaching legend. Ponca City Schools became his place of employment in 1985, he taught social studies at East Middle School and was an accomplished running coach. Kelly’s desire was to provide his family with the gift of travel and education. As a result, he and Tamara opened Santa’s Forest Christmas Tree Farm. Kelly was a man of great integrity, attention to detail, and quiet observance. Putting others first and seeking to ensure their enjoyment were substantial elements of his character. Traveling, spending time with his family, rooting for OU, and playing with his beloved granddaughter were some of his greatest joys.

Survivors include his cherished wife Tamara Chaney of the Home, daughter Laura Reed and husband Taylor of Foraker, OK, son Mark Chaney and wife Kaitlyn of Oklahoma City, granddaughter Gentry Reed, siblings: Brenda Randall and husband John of Phoenix, AZ; Bryan Chaney of Wichita Falls, TX, Melissa Hodges and husband Mike of Joplin, MO, aunt Betty Smith of Portland, OR, and parents-in-law Vernon and Norma Young of Tonkawa, OK. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his uncles: Norris Smith and David Smith.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Kelly Chaney Scholarship Fund at The Ponca City Board of Education.

Source: Trout Funeral Home