John F. Cheney

John F. Cheney

05/14/2022

John Franklin Cheney, sixty-nine, passed away on May 14, 2022, unexpectedly. Even though his soul was taken, his heart remains with his family, friends, and the community.

John was born July 7, 1952, in Palatka, Florida but made DeLand his home for over fifty years. John is survived by his loving wife of twenty-five years, Amy Cheney (nee Leis), his mother, Patricia Cheney, his siblings, David Cheney (Margie), Jan Tipton (Chris), and Jack Cheney (Lucy) and several wonderful nieces and nephews. John is preceded in death by his father, Fred Cheney, and his sister Evelyn “Lynn” Viers(Jimmy).

John loved spending time serving his community. He was a lifetime member and Trustee of DeLand Elks No. 1463, a charter member and past president of the Rotary Club of Downtown DeLand and served on the Board of Directors of Mainstreet DeLand Association. He also led the inaugural Honor Air Flight where he was blessed to accompany his father, a WWII Veteran. John made eight flight which allowed other WWII Veterans to travel to Washington D.C. to visit the memorials in their honor.

In addition, John was also quick to volunteer to help his friends and the community whether cooking for events, helping with home projects, collecting toys for needy children, delivering meals on Wheels, serving the homeless or making the best burgers and barbeque for his friends and family.

John’s career spanning 45 years as a professional land surveyor led him to become the District Surveyor and Mapper for the Florida Dept. of Transportation, District 5. John enjoyed NASCAR and always shared stories about the 24 Hours of Daytona where he and his buddies would set up very elaborate campsites in the infield, that even made it to the pages of USA Today. He had a love of music and always cheered for the Florida Gators but what he enjoyed most was traveling the world with the love of his life, Amy. They visited Italy, Greece, Croatia, Ireland, Alaska, and many states around the US most times with their close friends and family.

John will be deeply missed, and his absence will be felt by those he loved intensely.

A visitation will be held at Lankford Funeral Home on Saturday, the 21st from 1 o’clock to 2:30 pm followed by a luncheon at The Sanborn Center, at 815 South Alabama Ave.

In lieu of flowers, Amy, asks that you donate to the Rotary Club of Downtown DeLand. PO Box 1310, DeLand, Florida, 32721 or to a Veterans' organization in John’s name.