Myron Chenault (1949 - 2025)
My father, Myron Chenault, was called home to join siblings, parents, and grandparents sometime on Thursday, August 7, 2025. His passing was unexpected, but the impact it would have should surprise no one. We love Myron, and he loved us.
Dad was born in Richmond, IN in 1949. His parents, Roberta and Roy, were proud of their son. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Manchester University in 1971, one of only six Black students. Dad loved talking about his time there, accomplishing a great deal for someone so young in such a short time. Not long after getting his Juris Doctor from Valparaiso, he met my mother, Michelle (former spouse), whom he would marry not long after graduating.
His close friends describe shutting down a bar or two when I was born in 1980, which didn’t shock me. I always knew my dad to be fun in that way, warm and welcoming with a spirit that was immediately likable and engaging. To know Pop was to love him, and his appeal was irresistible. Having spent the last few weeks getting to know more of his community, I found a common thread in how moved people were by his consistency, kindness, and compassion, even so close to his passing. It was great to hear a mix of old stories I knew so well from Dad (man, could that guy tell a story!) and new instances of his loving presence for people going through something.
His intelligence was notoriously fierce. Dad could pull off a lot with very little, had great ideas that he could weave into extraordinary results, and is a vital part of multiple political and business communities because of what he was able to do with that tenacious intellectual capacity, especially with technology. Knowing Dad was also to be asked to play Words with Friends - but good luck winning a game against him.
Myron leaves to cherish his memory two devoted siblings: Roy Leon Chenault, Jr. of Diamond Bar, CA; Mary Margaret Johnson of Richmond, IN; several beloved niece and nephews: Danielle Chenault-Tavera of Diamond Bar, CA; Philip Chenault of Temecula, CA; Charles Chenault, Jr., of Winston Salem, NC; Darrell Vincent Chenault of Valparaiso, IN; Jesse Leon Griffin of Alpharetta, GA; Billie Webster, Jr., of Richmond, IN; and a host of beloved grand nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Leon Chenault, Sr. and Roberta Maddox Chenault, sister Charlene, sister Marilyn (Peachie,) brother Charles (Chuck), and a first-born sister, Cordelia, who was stillborn. He also leaves me, Myron Maurice Chenault II (Reece,) to carry out his final wishes and his beloved grandchild Justice Barnett Chenault.
Dad requested cremation, so there won’t be a public viewing. Events for Dad will begin September 25 for close friends, with a celebration of life to follow on September 26. For details, email Reece at rchenault@gmail.com or see the post here titled "Celebration of Life in Gary."
Dad, as the song goes, you were the life of the party. You reinvented yourself so many times it became a way I remember you. You taught me a lot about life and being present for your friends in times of trouble. I now better understand why our conversations were so different later in life.
Don’t worry, old man - we’ve got it from here. No more Chicago winters for you, I promise.