Fielden Gibson "Cheney" Chenault

10.15.1936 - 10.14.2023

The Dancing Man

Here is the story of a single father who was an unapologetic Democrat who believed in democracy, served his country, loved music, and loved to dance.

The music is playing loudly in the basement of the Chenault home where Fielden Gibson "Cheney" Chenault had a dance floor installed. R&B rhythms cascade through the house as Cheney cuts the rug and enjoys himself immensely.

Born mid-fall in Richmond, KY, Cheney was the firstborn to William Irving Chenault and Margaret Parks.

It was Thursday, October 15, 1936, when the world was blessed with the arrival of Fielden Gibson Chenault.

Two more children were added to the family unit: Helen and William Franklin. Later, Fielden's father, William, remarried and produced four more children: Mary Helen, Zachary, Harry Dean, and Walter.

Fielden knew Jesus and was baptized at an early age, as was the custom in the South. Staying true to his Christian roots, Fielden became a member of the People's Presbyterian Church, serving as a Deacon and on the board of Trustees. Subsequently, Fielden moved his membership to Shorter AME Church under the leadership of Langston Boyd. Once again, taking leadership roles, served on the board of trustees, and was very instrumental in the building of the new church on the corner of Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. and Colorado Blvd. He also prepared the church's finances and taxes for several years.

Educated in Richmond, KY, and who was the last graduating class in 1954 of Richmond High.

Fielden enlisted in the US Army, where he served with honor. While in the military, he was sent to medical field service school in Ft Sam Houston, Texas.   Then was stationed at the Fitzsimmons Army Medical base in Aurora, CO. He loved Denver so much that he made Denver his home. He also earned the "Good Conduct Medal".

Fielden decided not to reenlist in the military and worked as a postal worker with the United States Postal Service. Upon his retirement from USPS in 1992, he became an entrepreneur, selling real estate, preparing taxes, and being a landlord. Fielden decided to further his education, earning a bachelor's degree from Metro and an associate at Denver Community College.

Fielden met and fell in love with Edith Burton, and to this union, two children were born, Michael and Michele. Although the marriage ended, the union will resonate through all time in the lives of their children. Thus, Fielden married two more times to Ms. Sarah Murray and Ms. Barbara Nasser.

Fielden believed in democracy and the right to vote. Therefore, he worked every election he possibly could and was highly implemental in the Democratic National Convention. He worked tirelessly to make sure that President Barack Obama was elected not once but twice. He was also a very proud Kappa man being part of the Kappa fraternity, where he served on the board to provide scholarships to young black men to attend college and was extremely involved in building Kappa's Senior Living Tower, number one in Denver, CO. Cheney, the affectionate name for which Fielden was known, loved to gamble; playing the slots and lotto brought him joy. Cheney relished his fun walks, and he enjoyed all sports: Football, Boxing, Basketball, and Golf. In his younger days, he was a golf caddy.

Cheney fancies Jazz, Old-school R&B, and Blues concerts.  He also loved to travel. He traveled the United States, with Las Vegas being his favorite destination, and did not allow the borders to retain him.  He traveled to London, Paris, Uganda, Finland, Canada, Sweden, and Denmark. After living a full life one day shy of his eighty-seventh birthday. The Dancing Man passed from this realm on October 14, 2023.

As he passed through the heavenly gates, there to meet him was Jesus, his father, mother, and other family members.

Those who would treasure his memory are his son Michael Chenault, his daughter Michele Hunter. Grandchildren Zuri (Brad) Riley, Mikala Chenault, Xavier Chenault, Great-granddaughter Asani Riley, Sister Mary Helen, Brother Walter.  His beloved niece and caregiver Tonya (Everrett) Dodson. His Kappa Fraternity Family. Plus, a host of family and friends.

"Time Waits for No Man" Fielden favorite saying.

Ecclesiastes: 3:2 A time to be born and a time to die: a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.