Jack Cheaney Passes On

[Paul King]

I received a call Thursday evening that Jack Cheaney from Gainesville,Texas had passed away on Wednesday evening. Many of you know Jack and Betty from the steel guitar shows they loved to attend. Jack was a very successful businessman and loving husband to Betty and father to the three sons. He had several grandchildren and great grandchildren as well. His passing came as a shock to everyone who knew him. What a great friend he has been to me the last 20 years. I will truly miss him and the friendship I shared with him. Jack, rest in peace my friend.

[Louie Hallford]

Jack,has for years been one of the most loyal supporters of the TSGA and of steel guitar. When his health was good he never seemed to miss a steel guitar show from St Louis to Dallas,to Hot Springs,and especially loved the TSGA monthly meetings.

He was survived by his beautiful and faithful wife Betty,who was a constant companion at all the shows he attened.

Several years ago he lost his first wife Bonnie also a very refined and beautiful lady.

I consider Jack Cheaney a great friend. His being called away is a great loss. I will always remember the several St Louis trips I made with he, his Brother-in Law John,and another TSGA Legend RD Davis. God Rest Your Soul Brother Jack.

[Charles Tilley]

Jack will be buried in Gainsville, Texas today, December 19, 2009. Services are at 10:30 A.M .

Here is part of an email from Bette:

Jack's funeral will be at 10:30 am Saturday at the Commerce St. Church of Christ in Gainewsville--up on North Commerce Street,

Love and thanks, Bette C.

[Jody Sanders]

I am deeply saddend by this . Jack was such a great person and will really be missed by those who knew him. May GOD bless, comfort , and keep Betty and the family always. Jody.

[Rob Parker]

This news is so sad..
Mr Jack and Miss Betty are such dear friends..I shall miss him very much.
His favorite song request was " Dreams Of A Dreamer ", If I sang it three times..he wanted four..He Really liked that song..
My thoughts and prayers are with Miss Betty, and the family. May our Great Comforter hold each of them in His merciful hands and guide them through this sad time..
Thank you Mr Jack for your support, and your friendship..
Peace and love to the family, and family of friends..
RP...'come on in'...

[Roy Rosetta]

This is certainly a sad day. We recieved news of Jack's passing Thursday evening. Jack was an incredibly wonderful man and will be missed so much, not only by his family but by the many friends he and Bette have. Barbara and I are among those friends that will miss Jack very much. We pray that Bette will find some peace during this time.
...Roy and Barbara

[Paul King]

Thanks everyone for the kind words. The service this morning was wonderful. The church was packed with people standing. My brother and I estimated around 300 people at the church. I was able to speak with Betty very briefly and she is doing well considering the circumstances. Jack and his late wife Bonnie had three sons, Bruce, Pat and Philip. They are doing ok even though this loss was unexpected. The all realize their dad was a very special person to many people. Betty said Jack was the best man she had ever met and that speaks volumes for the man he was. I know Louie Hallford was there and there may have been some other steel players I do not know. Please keep Betty and the family in your prayers.

[Buck Grantham]

Jack was truly a super nice person and we will miss him a lot. Jack and Betty were always very friendly to my wife and I and we consider them as some of our best friends. Our condolences go out to Betty and the family with our love. Buck & Mitzi Grantham

[Steve Matlock]

Jack was a true gem. I always enjoyed visiting with Jack at the shows over the years. I was saddened to hear of his passing. May God comfort his family in this difficult time. Rest in peace my friend.

[john buffington]

Kay Davis called to tell me of Jack's passing and what a horrible shock it was! He and Betty were such faithful and wonderful friends and supporters of the steel guitar world and especially the OSGA (Okla). His passing is such a loss to those of us who had the honor of being acquainted with he and Betty.
We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Betty and the entire family.
John Buffington & Family

[Paul King]

Betty Cheaney will be happy to see the comments you all have mad about Jack. I guess the thing that bothers me as well is his passing came a week before Christmas, and that is hard for any family. Please continue to remember Betty and the family during this difficult time.

[Tim Marlin]

I was sad to hear my friend Jack passed away so suddenly.
He loved the steel guitar and the musicians that played them. I know he owned and played the finest
instruments of the time. To Betty and the family I sent my heart-felt condolences.

[Paul King]

Thanks Tim for remembering Jack. It is hard to believe a month has went by since his passing. I went to the gravesite last week and I still find it hard to believe. Betty Cheaney is doing well considering the loss. She is a strong person and a fantastic lady. Please keep her in your prayers.

[Paul King]

I was able to visit with Betty Cheaney Friday evening. I called to tell her about John Fabion passing on. While on the phone I read her all the comments about her husband, Jack Cheaney. Betty was really touched and fought tears while I was reading all the comments. She spoke very highly of the many friends she and Jack made through the years at the steel guitar shows. Pkease keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

[Dee Polish]

Jack and Bette have been good friends of ours. It was always a welcome site to see them at meetings and shows. He was kind and loving and we will miss him. We love Bette and her sparkling personality and quick wit and we hope to see her somewhere on the way as we know how hard it will be for her not having him with her and understand.

We love you and our prayers are with you, Bette.

Paul and Dee Polish