Born the 14th of 17 children on January 26th 1928, and bestowed the honor of the name Bert Chaney Jr; whether his family had simply run out of names or because they knew he was destined for greatness is unknown but he lived up to the latter. He was born to Bert and Eva Katherine (Richarz) Chaney on the family farm northwest of Coffeyville, KS. Bert was always a hard worker, starting his first job at the age of 9 working in a candy shop in order to help his family. He served in the Air Force for 3 years. He graduated from Pittsburg State with his BS and Master’s Degree in political science.
Bert was extremely proud of his career in education. He began teaching junior high students in Kansas City, KS. While there, he met the love of his life, Marilyn Johnson. They were married April 4th, 1958 and moved to Hutchinson the following August where he began his teaching tenure at Hutch Juco in the fall of 1958, teaching classes in political science, government, and history. He would go on to teach there for 32 years. He was an instrumental part of implementing the GED diploma program within the local prison, opening education opportunities for thousands of people. He also coordinated a citizenship program to provide the training and education necessary for illegal aliens to qualify for citizenship.
He was always focused on civic duty and was a true man of the people. In 1966, Bert was elected to the Kansas House of Representatives where he served for 6 years and then served in the Kansas Senate for 12 years. Some of his proudest legislations included a bill removing the discriminatory height requirement for police officers and firefighters, a bill allowing citizens to purchase drugs by generic name, and the requirement for all children to receive the Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccine protecting the children of the state of Kansas. All these laws are still in effect. He was known for being a great defender of democratic government and strongly held the belief that government exists to help the average working person.
Bert was also a family man. He and Marilyn had 3 children; Melissa, Cindy, and Doug. They spent many summers traveling the country. He always wanted his children to carry the same values of service to others. These dreams were fulfilled as his eldest, Melissa, served as a teacher in Hutchinson for 36 years, his middle child, Cindy, served on the Hutchinson City Council for 8 years and held the title of Mayor, and his youngest, Doug, will be retiring after 25 years as superintendent/principal of Hodgeman County in Jetmore. He was also proud and actively involved in the raising of his 7 grandchildren. He enjoyed taking them on trips, doing puzzles together, and baking his famous chocolate chip cookies.
He had many hobbies and passions. He was a fan of cheering on the Jayhawks, often telling the story of his brief stint at KU as a student on the GI bill where he was housed in the basement of Memorial Stadium. Bert had a passion for gardening, which brought in many visitors to take in his beautiful horticulture. He also spent time beekeeping, to which he would refine his own honey and sell it to other legislators as well as giving it to family and friends. Bert was an avid reader up until recent years keeping up with all the latest research and politics. His grandchildren rarely left a visit without at least 2-3 cut out articles, always chosen for each person’s specific interest and passions. He was always teaching even when out of the classroom.
Ultimately, Bert was blessed to live 96 years. He filled that time with so many triumphs for which he will always be remembered. His life truly revolved around others; the students he taught, the constituents he served, and the family he loved.
Bert is survived by his wife, Marilyn (Johnson) Chaney; daughters: Melissa Law and Cindy Proett, of Hutchinson, Doug (Connie) Chaney of Jetmore; 7 grandchildren: Alex Law, Katelyn (Phillip) Twist, Abbey Chaney, Grace (Jack) Howard, Grant Chaney, Jack Proett, Candice Chaney; and 4 great-grandchildren, Lucy Law, River Law, Charlie Twist, and Hattie Twist.
He is preceded in death by his parents, all 16 of his siblings, and his son-in-law, Barry Law.
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Funeral service will be held at 11 am April 15, 2024, at the Elliott Chapel with Deacon Todd Ray officiating. The family will greet family and friends from 10-11 am. The service will be live streamed. Burial to follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hospice and Homecare of Reno County or Hutchinson Community College Endowment, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501. And in his honor, remember to vote this November.