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SALEM -- Kevin Todd Cheney, 61, was called to be with his Lord on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, after bravely battling pancreatic cancer for almost two years. During his illness, Kevin displayed courage, tenacity, humility and absolute adoration for his wife, Trudy, and his two sons, Brandon and Nicholas.
Kevin was born April 25, 1964, in Conneaut, to Russell and Joan Plank Cheney. He loved spending time with his wife and family, enjoying music (especially rock), collecting and playing guitars, exploring Mill Creek Park, small-batch coffee and a good IPA. Kevin was an avid researcher when it came to anything that struck his interest; he had vast knowledge of countless topics, which benefited many people.
Kevin spent his career in retail and was sought after for building out and managing retail operations ranging from auto parts to hardware. He was known throughout the communities he worked in as a highly knowledgeable customer service advocate. Customers received a smile, genuine kindness, integrity, knowledge and a good conversation. Employees looked to him as a friend and a mentor. Although a man of few words, what he did say would be meaningful, perhaps even profound, and likely delivered with a gift for making people laugh.
Though Kevin did not like being the center of attention, he will be remembered for all that he was: a devoted husband, son, brother, uncle, father and loyal friend. He quietly doted on those he loved through deeply personal and unexpected gestures, the things that someone who pays close attention sees -- the little details of life: details like decorating craft paper with beautiful hand-drawn designs for Christmas presents, creating a hand-crafted scrapbook with life's special moments for his wife, sending a small gift or leaving a silly voicemail to let you know you were thought of for no particular reason.
After 29 years of marriage, he and Trudy had the best times simply being together; he still found ways to create little "moments of love" for her in unexpected ways. They loved browsing antique stores, attending concerts, dining at local / regional restaurants, taking impromptu weekend trips or merely enjoying a cup of locally roasted coffee. Simply put, he loved his wife and family; they are who he dedicated his life and time to.
Kevin was preceded in death by cherished family members, including his father, Russell Cheney; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Russell and Katherine Lottman; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bill and Lois Lottman Pennell; and brother-in-law, Ray Shelton.
He is survived by his best friend and wife, with whom he was deeply in love for 33 years, Trudy Lottman Cheney; his adored children, Brandon (Laura Cole) Marchese, and Nicholas and Samantha (Stultz) Cheney; his beloved mother, Joan Plank Cheney; his dearly loved siblings, Mary (Michael) Hinton, Brian Cheney, Jennifer (John) Ford and Katrina Cheney; his treasured in-laws, Mike and Brenda Lottman Carnal, Mike and Marsha Lottman Rozeski,and Cathy Lottman Shelton; his devoted nieces and nephews,Todd Cellars, Clint and Tara Cellars Price, Tiffany Cellars Heald, Ryan and Megan (Terrell) Pennell, Tony and Carly (Shelton) Houshour, Ray and Erica (Shelton) Harr, and Stephanie (James Thompson) Shelton; his exceptionally devoted great-niece, Devan Houshour; his precious grandchildren, Russell and Nicholas Cheney, Giovanni Angelo, and Sergio, Koa, Raphael and Meadow Marchese; his lifelong friend and chosen brother, Rob (Lori) Kantner and his loving family; along with other family members too numerous to list.
In keeping with Kevin's wishes, there will be no public services.
In lieu of flowers or other gifts, donations to Angels for Animals, angelsforanimals.org, or the American Cancer Society, cancer.org, in honor of Kevin, would be greatly appreciated.
Arrangements were handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To view Kevin's obituary or send condolences, visit www.starkmemorial.com.
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