Henry "Hank" E. Cheney

Rev. Henry E. Cheney, 78, of St. Johnsbury, passed away unexpectedly on June 12, 2025, at his home.

Hank was born on February 3, 1947, to Willis and Dorothy (Cornwall) Cheney in New York City. He was raised in Mahwah, New Jersey and went on to receive a bachelor's degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1969 and a Master of Divinity from Drew University in 1972. He married Karen Dame on June 28, 1969, sharing 55 happy years together before Hank’s passing.

Hank was a devoted minister of God’s love to so many throughout his ministry across Vermont. He was an ordained United Methodist Minister for over 50 years, serving churches in St. Johnsbury, Brandon, Pittsford, Bristol, Enosburg Falls, West Enosburg Falls, Springfield, Montpelier, Danville and West Burke. Hank knew that “for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Throughout the joys and difficulties that a life of ministry brought, he was able to bring about much good to God’s people wherever he went.

Hank was very involved in the life of his community. He was a volunteer at NVRH and served on the board of the NEK Council on Aging. Hank volunteered with NOMADs to build homes and vital facilities for underserved communities. He was an avid gardener, bicycle rider, and historical fiction enthusiast. Hank loved boating, cross-country skiing, playing guitar, traveling with Karen in their RV and spending time with his beloved dachshund, Joy. Above all, Hank loved his family. As a devoted father and grandfather, he knew that the time he gave to his family was just as important as the time he gave others in ministry. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Hank is survived by his loving wife, Karen Cheney of St. Johnsbury; children Calvin Cheney of Barre, Wesley Cheney of Charleston, WV, and Bradford (Rebecca Geller) Cheney of Fairfax Station, VA; siblings Carol (Bruce) Wyatt of Williston and Willis Cheney of Phoenix, AZ; and his grandchildren Abigayle Cheney, Kelvin Cheney, Samuel Geller-Cheney, Noah Geller-Cheney, and Emily Geller-Cheney; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Willis and Dorothy Cheney.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 2pm at Danville United Methodist Church, 89 Park Street, Danville, VT. There will be no calling hours. Burial will take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in St. Johnsbury, VT at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice in Barre, VT.

Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at caledonialifeservices.com