John O. Chaney, 79, 91 Riley St., Montezuma, died at 1:45 a.m. March 11, 2007, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.

He was born Dec. 28, 1927, in Xenia, to Ella Baumaster. On Aug. 9, 1949, he married Frances Lorilla Collins, who died Sept. 22, 1980.

Surviving are a companion, Sheila Goldsberry; son, John Jr. (Penny), Grover Hill; four daughters, Sharon Barker, Sidney, Sue (Duane) Harner, Celina, Joyce (Terrence) Garrity, Coldwater, and Johnda, Celina; 10 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

He retired in 1996 from Celina City Schools as custodian at Franklin Elementary School, Montezuma, and was a dealer at area flea markets. He was U.S Navy veteran of World War II, serving as a Seabee in the Philippines. He was a member of American Legion Post 470, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5135, both of Coldwater, and of South Shore Sportsman's Club, Celina. He was well known as "The Bean Man," preparing "Chaney's Bean Soup" at various events throughout the area.

Private family services will be held at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home, Celina, the Rev. Larry Hamilton officiating. Burial is at Mercer Memory Gardens, Celina, where military rites will be conducted by American Legion and VFW, both of Coldwater.

Calling hours are private.