Bobby Lee Chaney

Bobby Lee Chaney of Henderson, KY, 91, died Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Redbanks Nursing Home. He was born September 5, 1934, the son of Volla Thomas Chaney and Hazel Dale Matheney Chaney. 

Bob earned his BA and MA degrees at Murray State University and was an educator teaching and coaching in Christian, Muhlenberg, Calloway, and Webster counties, and was principal at Clay Elementary and Harrodsburg High School. He was employed a total of 20+ years with the Webster County school district, 12 of those as superintendent after earning his Rank 1 from Eastern Kentucky University. He was also superintendent of the Williamstown Independent School District for 11 years and was a consultant with the Kentucky Department of Education after retiring.

Bob was a long-time Kentucky Colonel, which is the highest honor awarded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, recognizing individuals for noteworthy, lifelong contributions to society or the state. He was a great fan of the University of Kentucky basketball and the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. Bob was devoted to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Along with family, he also leaves behind many friends who respected, cherished, and loved him.

He in addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Robert Eric Chaney, in 2024, his brother Charles Chaney, and his sisters, Barbara Chaney and Winnie Gossett. 

Bob is survived by his daughters, Leesa Russell of Poole, KY, and Terrea DeLong of Henderson, KY; 2 grandchildren, Derek Belt and wife Kensi, and Dylan Sullivan; and 2 great-grandchildren, Brody Belt and Cooper Belt. 

Memorial services will be on Thursday, February 5 at 2 p.m. at Tomblinson Funeral Home in Henderson with Bro. Tim Shockley officiating. 

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, February 5, from 11:00 a.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m.