Dr. Henry E. Cheaney

Dr. Henry Ellis Cheaney Frankfort- Services for Dr. Henry Ellis Cheaney, 94, of Cold Harbor Dr., will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday at First Baptist Church, 100 W. Clinton St. He died Tuesday at Frankfort Regional Medical Center, following an illness. Burial will be in Fernwood Cemetery, Henderson Co. He was born July 1, 1912, in Henderson Co. He was the son of Steven Ellis Cheaney and Mrs. Magnolia Radford McGuire and was married to the former Ora Mae Williams, a graduate of Kentucky State University, Indiana University, a registered dietician and at the time of her retirement was a Professor in the Department of Home Economics at Kentucky State University. After graduating from Douglas High School and attending the West Kentucky Industrial College in Paducah, he matriculated at Kentucky State Industrial College, today know as Kentucky State University where he distinguished himself in both academics and athletics. After completing his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1936, he was invited to join the faculty at his Alma Mater. He remained on the faculty of Kentucky State University until his retirement at the end of 1981-1982 academic year. He earned the Master of Arts Degree in History from the University of Michigan, and the Doctor of Philosophy in History from the University of Chicago. He also earned four Honorary Degrees from Kentucky State University and Berea College. He also served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. Although his official title at Kentucky State was Professor of History, during his long tenure he served in many other capacities: coach of the college debate team, coach of the college boxing team, director of college publicity, supervisor of the college YMCA, college alumni agent and college chaplain. He also served as a visiting professor in the graduate schools of the University of Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky University. Dr. Cheaney was a noted writer, researcher and author. He co-authored Kentucky�s Black Heritage, a text used in the public schools of Kentucky; and authored an article on Kentucky in the Encyclopedia International. He was one of two professors selected by the Kentucky Historical Society to write the complete history of Blacks in the State of Kentucky from the beginning to the present. He held memberships in the following selected organizations: American Historical Association, Southern Historical Association, Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History, American Association of University professors, Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky Association of Teachers of History. He was an active member of First Baptist Church in Frankfort where he has served as a Sunday School teacher and church officer. He received numerous awards and citations from educational, fraternal and civic groups, including but not limited to, KSU Student Government Association, KSU Alumni Association, KSU Athletic Committee, KSU African Study Group, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Gamma Sigma Sigma Service Sorority. Dr. Cheaney was presented the A. Phillip Randolph Humanitarian Award, that organization�s highest honor. A special Award of Merit was presented by the two chapters of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity in which he served as a charter member. He was awarded the KSU Distinguished Service Award from Kentucky State University. Dr. Cheaney has been described by his students who have become professors, lawyers and government officials as a "living legend,� "deserving of every superlative,� and simply "the best teacher anytime and anywhere.� Dr. Cheaney is survived by his wife, Mrs. Ora-Mae Williams Cheaney, Frankfort; two sisters, Sue Ellen Tucker, Lima, OH; and Hazel Edgerson, Henderson, KY; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Rev. K.L. Moore will officiate. Pallbearers will be family and friends. Friends may call Monday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at the church. Harrod Brothers Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.harrodbrothersfuneralhome.com.

Tributes

Dr. Henry E. Cheaney

July 1, 1912 - July 18, 2006