Harley Donald Cheney

Harley Donald Cheney of Sunapee, NH and Russell Springs, KY left us with loving memories on March 24, 2017.

He was born on October 22, 1935 to David & Ethel (Little) Cheney.  He was raised with two brothers, Chester (Ann) Cheney of Atlanta, GA and George (Donna) Cheney of SC and two sisters, Betty (Louie) Ansart of Sunapee and Elva (Bill) Palmer of Newport.  After attending Newport schools Harley enlisted in the US Navy on April 6, 1954, serving 20 years.

He married Clara Cheney in 1960 and they had a daughter, Julie Cheney of Newport, while being stationed in California.  Harley and his family settled in Sunapee after retiring with the rank of E-7 Chief on October 30, 1973.  Harley started a second career at Sturm Ruger as head of the maintenance department for 25 years.  His wife Clara predeceased him in 1993.

On April 4, 1998 Harley married Janet (Davis) Fowler and his family grew to include three more daughters, Shery (Briar) Freak of Errol, Donna (Pete) Mahair of Croydon, and Linda Gould of S. Daytona, FL.  He also gained two brothers-in-law: David (Josephine) Davis, Robert (Sarah) Davis and a sister-in-law, Cora (Bozo) LaClair.

Harley and Jan enjoyed over 20 years together traveling annually to Harley’s Navy reunions all over the country keeping in touch with many of his fellow veterans.  He was the only shipmate to attend all 23 reunions of the USS Sperry AF12.  He was presented a quilt made by Ginny Elliott with 15 of the state’s stars in which these reunions were held.  Harley and Jan, along with their beloved mini dachshund, Davis, also enjoyed their winters in Russell Springs, KY with many friends and family. 

They summered in Sunapee where they spent much of their time with their Grandchildren, Amie Freak, Angi (Richard) Beaulieu, Joshua Eaves, Aaron (April) Simoneau Sr., Jessica (Eddie) Crease and Jeremy Lescord.  They also cherished their time with their Great-Grandchildren, Aaron Simoneau Jr., Kiana Simoneau, Dylan Simoneau, Greysan Beaulieu, Owen Beaulieu, Caleb Perez, Austin Eaves, Seth Eaves and Lynden Crease. He had several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that are going to miss him dearly.

Harley was quick to strike up a conversation everywhere he went making countless friends along the way.  He had a knack for remembering names, dates and details. He enjoyed all kinds of car racing, Nascar, World of Outlaws and the local tracks.  Fishing, traveling and going out to eat were also among his favorite pastimes.

There will be calling ours at the Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home in Newport, NH on Thursday, March 30th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM with Donna Leslie officiating an informal service around 6:00 PM.  There will be a committal service with full Military Rites in the spring at the family’s convenience.

 Service Information