Gordon Lon Chaney

Gordon "Lon" Chaney always said that he was 39 years old and to prove it, he was born in 1938. Surrounded by his family, he passed away on May 23, 2017 at the age of 79 in Delano, California. Lon was born in San Bernardino, California on April 20, 1938 to Marion "Ham" and Lena Mae (Beam) Chaney. He was the sixth child of six children. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Virginia Rowland, and brothers Raymond and Melza Chaney. The Chaney family were prominent founding members of the Richgrove community. Lon served in the United States Navy for 31 years as a Hospital Corpsman. He jokingly said, "I almost made the Navy a career." He is a Vietnam Veteran who served on the Hospital Ship, USS Repose (AH-16). His awards include the Navy Commendation Medal; the Navy Achievement Medal; Navy Good Conduct Medal, 4 Stars; and Vietnam Campaign Medal, 4 Stars. He is a Past Post Commander of the American Legion Post #124 and was honored as 40/8, Chef de Gare. Upon his military retirement and graduation from CSU Bakersfield, Lon served the Delano community as an educator and leader. He is a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and member of Delano-Wasco Lodge #309, who honored Lon as their 2015 Mason of the Year. He was also a proud member of the B.P.O.E. Elks of Delano. In May 2015, Lon traveled to Washington, DC with the Kern County Honor Flight for Vietnam Veterans. Lon's greatest achievement was his family. He and his first wife Linda adopted brothers Gary and Glen. This blessing resulted in the birth of their daughter Jennifer. In 1995, seven years after Linda's death, Lon married his second wife Zana, bringing her and her daughter Christina Perez into the family. He is survived by his wife, Zana of 22 years, his children Gary Chaney of Delano, Glen and Patti Chaney of Oklahoma, Jennifer and Jed Scott of Bakersfield, and Christina Perez of Delano. He is also survived by his brother Richard Chaney of Delano, his sister Ruth Branch of Oregon, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild as well as many nieces and nephews. Services will be held on Tuesday, May 30th at the First Assembly of God Church at 2222 9th Ave, in Delano. A graveside service with Military Honors will follow at the North Kern Cemetery. Masonic Rites to be given by Delano-Wasco #309. Following graveside, a Celebration of Life will be held at the American Legion Hall at 729 Kensington St. Camp Hamilton Veteran Memorial Park will honor Lon Chaney at their Memorial Day Ceremony and a tree will be planted on Veterans Day 2017. The Chaney Family gives thanks to all for the kind love and support they have received through this difficult time. For it matters not, how much we own, the car, the house, the cash. What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash. A Memorial Tribute can be offered by logging into www.salseranddillard.com.

Gordon Lon Chaney

April 20, 1938 - May 23, 2017