Jack Duane McChesney, 93, of Clay Center, Kansas, passed away on December 4, 2024, with his wife of more than 72 years by his side. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Jack will always be remembered for his good coffee and his kindness and willingness to help those in need, even strangers.
Born on June 5, 1931, on a farm near Narka, Kansas. Jack was the son of John and Ella (Saip) McChesney. Jack shared the family farm with his three brothers and one sister Chester "Chet", Warren, James "Jim", and Neva. Jack graduated from Narka High School in 1950 and entered the U.S. Air Force where he served as B36 mechanic from 1951 to 1955.
Jack attended junior college in Fairbury, Nebraska and Emporia State Teacher's College, following his discharge from the Air Force where he earned his teaching degree. He also went on to attain his master’s degree from Emporia. Jack's first teaching experience was at Centre High School near Herington, Kansas. From there, Jack and his family moved to Belleville, Kansas where he taught science and math; he later moved his family to Hamilton, Illinois, where he taught junior high science in Keokuk, Iowa, so his wife could complete her college education. Finally, in 1971, Jack moved his family to Clay Center, Kansas, where he taught chemistry and physics at the Clay Center Community High School for the remainder of his teaching career. Jack believed that every child had potential, and he sought to help as many young minds as he could.
On June 22, 1952, Jack married the love of his life, Eleanor Fry. To this union, four children were born: Patricia Obourn(husband Malcolm "Mac"); Vicki Streit (husband David); James "Jim" (wife Kathy); and Bryan (wife Lisa). He was also the loving grandfather to Jennifer Willis, Chelsea McChesney, Alexandra McChesney, Kellen Berkenpas, Rebecca Obourn, and Robert Obourn along with great-grandfather to Mikaylin Willis, Jalen Mason, Parker Berkenpas, Kale Shumate, Aurelia Chastangner, and Frances Obourn. In addition to his love of family, Jack also had a love of animals, especially his dogs. His hobbies included flying, even building and flying his own Kit Fox airplane.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ella McChesney, his brothers, Chester,
Warren, and James; his sister, Neva Joy Hermes; and a great-grandson, Archer Chastangner.
A service to celebrate Jack's life will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Evangelical Covenant Church, 1330 15th St, Clay Center, Kansas with burial in Greenwood Cemetery.
All are welcome the family requests guests dress in casual attire.
Visitation will be Friday, December 6, 2024, from 4-7 p.m. at Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home, 918 7th Street, Clay Center, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meadowlark Hospice or the Clay Center Presbyterian Manor c/o the funeral home
Online condolences may be made at www.nsrfh.com