David Ryland Chenault

David was born in Detroit, Michigan to Ruby Marie Chenault and John Ryland Chenault. He was the only son with two sisters, Doris and Faith. His parents moved to Virginia were they had a farm in King and Queen County. When David was in high school, his parents moved back to Detroit. David loved the city because “there were so many things to do.”

In his 20’s he was able to purchase a franchise for a gas station. He later sold his gas station and volunteered for the Army during the Korean war. David spent his tour of duty in Germany. Upon returning, he moved to Los Angeles, California.

While in Los Angeles, David signed up for the police academy with the Los Angeles Police Department. He often said this was his favorite job. David had a great sense of humor and a compassionate heart which no doubt benefited him during his many experiences in the department. He was the rifleman for the first SWAT team, a member of Metro, Detective and worked Intelligence. He worked during a time of great turbulence in society and had many harrowing stories to tell about those times in the department.

After retiring from the police department, David began working as a bodyguard for the CEO of a few businesses. Always wanting to keep busy, he took coursework on computers and became the computer guru for these businesses as well as fleet management. His expertise, attention to detail and honesty were qualities for which he would receive praise.

In 1998 David married Carolyn Tindall and they set off on an exciting journey of 26 years together. One person commented on their relationship as a “fairy tale relationship.” It was a marriage filled with love, laughter and devotion toward one another. David raised Carolyn’s son, Jonathan as his own, and their relationship grew into a strong bond.

In December 2023, David was able to celebrate his 90th birthday with loving family and friends. He said his heart was filled with joy. Family meant everything to him.

David will be remembered for being a godly man, strong in his Christian faith. He was faithful, dependable, determined, honorable and reliable.

David will be greatly missed by his wife and family. The world will not be the same without his sense of humor and big heart.

David is preceded in death by his sister, Doris. He is survived by his wife Carolyn, sister, Faith Marmrot, stepsons Jonathan and Joseph, sons Marty and Bill, his daughter, Leanne, grandchildren Jeremiah, Mick, Amanda, Jared and Collin, and great granddaughters, Madilynn and Jordynn.

If you would like to add a tribute or photo to David’s Veteran’s Legacy Memorial go to:

https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/DAVIDRYLANDCHENAULT/a72432

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in David’s honor to the American Cancer Society or the Wounded Warrior Project (who also support police officers).