Charles Denny "Charlie" Chenault

Charles Denny "Charlie" Chenault, age 86 of Hamilton, passed away at home on Saturday, April 5, 2008. He left this life as he lived it: with great courage, surrounded by many of those he loved. Charlie left for a joyous, anticipated reunion with God and his lifelong love, Pat.

The eldest of eleven children, he was born to Harry and Pauline Chenault in Chillicothe, Ohio on January 29, 1922. He graduated from Clarksburg High. In 1942 he joined the Navy to fight in WWII. Charlie served his country throughout combat in the Pacific, acquiring the skills needed to become a master electrician.

Charlie was an integral part of the building, operation, and opening of Kings Island, employed many years in the park as the lead electrical supervisor. He retired from Kings Island in the eighties. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren enjoyed his status for many years and would often see him in the most unexpected places within the park…strolling alongside them as they floated atop the log flume ride, untangling a banner atop the Eiffel Tower, etc.

Charlie would always say he "Won the lottery" when he married the love of his life, Helen Louise "Pat" (Spetnagel) Chenault on March 10, 1945 in San Diego, California. They were married fifty-nine years and she preceded him in death on December 15, 2004. Always a private man, he continued to mourn her quietly until he left this life to join her. Just last week he shared with his daughters, "I can’t wait to catch up with your mom."

Charlie and Pat shared an incredibly full and happy life, traveling extensively, spending time with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Charlie was the quintessential "working man," best described as strong and resilient, proud, and stoic, yet deeply loving. Possessing a dry, sarcastic sense of humor, he could laugh at himself and the ironies of life. Just last week he joked with his daughter Kacy, "Well… at least I won’t have to watch gas go up to four dollars a gallon!"

Charlie enjoyed being a musician himself. He could play piano, organ, ukulele, and clarinet. He was an active member of the IBEW Local 648, Fraternal Order of the Eagles 407, Amvets 1983, and VFW 1069.

Those who knew him well were aware he could do anything and was someone you could always count on or turn to for help. Over his lifetime he purchased and renovated several homes that were in poor repair, some slated for demolition. Doing most of the work himself, when finished they were like new again. He prided himself on his skill and strong work ethic, and his interests were many. Charlie could take something old and make it new again, restore and refurbish antique player pianos, pilot a plane, and magically make candy appear from a child’s ear. His children knew from an early age that he alone held the master switch to all the neighborhood streetlights. As the sun began going down, it was the signal to his children that it was time to head home from a hard day’s play.

Dad, our hero, we will miss that handsome face and smile, your solid strength and encouragement. Goodbyes are only for now.

Charles Denny Chenault is survived by all eight of his children: Russ (the late Sally) Osborne, Mike Osborne, Mary (Bud) Malone, Marti (the late Buddy) Smith, Kacy (Wayne) Hayes, Dave (Tarri) Chenault, Terri (Ralph Schelter) Chenault, and youngest daughter Amy Mathis; twenty grandchildren; twenty-six great-grandchildren; and countless friends. He is survived by six siblings, Dick (Barb) Chenault of Chillicothe, Ohio, Lee (Ruth) Chenault of Tampa, Florida, LeeAnn (Bud) Lindstrum of Columbus, Ohio, Joy (Henry) Riddle of Londonderry, Ohio, Jill (Bill) Ehrick of Columbus, Ohio, and Terry (Nancy) Chenault of Chillicothe, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Sue Jones, Julia Kluesner, and Judy Hines; and brother, Bob Chenault.

Heartfelt thanks to physician’s assistant Rebecca, Dr. Kathleen Alter, Dr. Robert Chait, Vitas Hospice, Cardiac nursing staff at Mercy South, and most wholeheartedly to Kacy and Wayne Hayes. Our love and gratitude for the sacrifices you have made are immeasurable. Your compassion and care made Dad’s last years at home happy and comfortable.

Funeral services will be held at the Brown-Dawson Funeral Home, 1350 Millville Avenue, on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at 11:00 AM with the Rev. James R. Bloom officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 8, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the funeral home.

If so desired, donations can be made to Butler County Board of MRDD, 155 Donald Drive, Fairfield 45014 or to Vitas Hospice.