Deane M. Chaney

Deane M. Chaney, 55, of South Bend, IN, passed away Monday, December 6, 2021, after a short illness.  Deane was born August 2, 1966, in South Bend, IN to Martha Moore and Michael (Cindy) Chaney. 

Deane is survived by his adoring and loving wife, Lori, they were united in marriage October 9, 2009.  They shared their life with Deane’s beloved dog, Bella, who was his best friend and always by his side.

Deane is also survived by his daughter, Brittney (Eric) Kass, and Trevor Chaney, both residing in North Carolina.  Two precious granddaughters that had him wrapped around their little fingers whom he loved fiercely, Emma and Brynley.  It would make his day when Emma (5 ½) would call him in the middle of the day from her iPad and say “now Grandpa, if Mommy asks, you called me”!

Also surviving are his paternal grandmother, Quintella Chaney, sister, Deanna (Pat) Moreland, along with Brad, Devon, Shane, Rose, Jordyn, a brother, Derrick Chaney and niece Kali.  His mother-in-law, Pat Morgan, brother-in-law, Chip (Lisa) Morgan, Alayna & A.J.  Step sister, Kellie and step brother, Jason.  So many other family members and friends who he loved dearly. 

Deane was a native of South Bend and attended Clay High School until 1983 when he relocated to North Carolina.  There he started a family and career before moving back to South Bend in 2009. Deane started his career at Procter & Gamble for 17 years, after moving back to South Bend and working at Timken, TruGreen and FedEx prior to opening Healthy U in 2018.  This is where Deane thrived and loved to be if he wasn’t home!  His customers, whom he knew by name and what they were going to order, were one of the most favorite parts of his day!  He enjoyed making their teas, shakes, dressing up as Buddy the Elf or Santa and bringing joy to anyone and everyone he could. He loved to joke with people and let them know their amount due was $952.10! 

He loved to visit Walt Disney World, EPCOT was his favorite of all the parks.  He enjoyed stopping at each of the countries, walking through their exhibit and perhaps having a sampling of their beer.  His favorite thing to do was to get a box of popcorn, cold beverage, find a bench, sit down with Lori, hold hands while snacking and people watching.  Another favorite place Lori and Deane visited with family was Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg, TN.  He loved the mountains, tasting some great food, sampling some moonshine and just having a really great time.  There was no place he visited that he didn’t light up the room and enjoy himself.  

Deane didn’t care who was watching, this guy loved to dance and have a good time!  His favorite story and he shared it with everyone, was when Brittney & Trevor were growing up and he would play what he called the “Low Low” song!  Every time Deane and Lori were out or at a wedding reception and it came on – he had to get up and move.  Lori would secretly send a video to his amazing kids so they could see how much their Daddy was loving this thing called life!  He even took dancing lessons for their wedding first dance to “Beautiful” which of course is on a Disney soundtrack. 

This may surprise some but not all, Deane enjoyed crafting.  Everything from jewelry making to parachute cord keychains to vinyl creations to sewing believe it or not!  Deane would Google the detailed instructions, figure out how to do it in a fun creative way and became a pro at it. Too many hours to count of laughter with Lori were had at the crafting table banging out his masterpieces of love and joy for others.

He also liked to sit, relax and watch TV – especially Hallmark Movie channel (if you know, you know), Food Network & Disney movies with Lori & Bella.  Occasionally he would be allowed to watch the Notre Dame Football game.  He always joked that the TV only worked after Lori went to sleep at 10pm, that is when he would turn on what Lori referred to as “sleep TV” which was the History Channel.  There was rarely a time Deane & Lori didn’t sit on the couch watching the same shows together as together holding hands and being close was one of their favorite past times.

Deane was a true gentleman to all he knew and met.  You would always hear him say “yes ma’am”, “yes sir”, please, thank you, even to Lori occasionally!  Deane was so much like Lori’s Dad…he would whistle to tunes in the car and very well actually, he would sing along to songs, he was incredibly smart – he knew things that he had heard about once and remembered…it was truly an amazing, special and valued trait.

As you all know, Deane would have worn a quarter zip and jeans every day if he could.  To show our love to him, we invite you all to wear your favorite quarter zip, ND apparel, etc. and jeans if you’re stopping by to celebrate his life with us during the viewing time.

Friends may call from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday, December 10, 2021 and again on Saturday, December 11, beginning at 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.  Christian funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. at Palmer Funeral Home – Welsheimer North Chapel, 17033 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN 46635. 

Memorial contributions in Deane’s honor may be made to Heartland Small Animal Rescue Inc., 4540 Grape Rd, Mishawaka, IN 46545

Online condolences may be left for the Chaney family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.