Charles Alexander Cheney

Charles Alexander Cheney, 81, passed away on November 26, 2025 in Mobile, Alabama. Born on April 3, 1944, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Margaret Tanner Cheney and Prentiss Dana Cheney, Charles lived a life dedicated to family, education, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Edward D'Arcy Cheney. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Susan Elaine Cheney; his children, Michele Cheney Hamilton (Robert) and Jason Prentiss Cheney (Shari); and his cherished grandchildren: Alexandra Elaine Eilers, Claire Wilcox Hamilton, Kathryn Margaret Hamilton, Justin Alexander Cheney, and Ryan Prentiss Cheney.

Charles grew up dividing his time between St. Louis, Missouri, and Jerseyville, Illinois, spending summers and New Year's with his father at what is now the Cheney Mansion. This historic home, which served as the stagecoach stop, bank, doctor's office, and tavern, as well as a way station for the Underground Railroad, housed three generations of Cheneys and now operates as a museum and headquarters of the Jersey County Historical Society. Charles treasured his visits during the Annual Jerseyville Apple Festival, where he would relive cherished memories and share stories of his childhood.

Charles's academic journey began in Little Flower Parish in St. Louis and continued to St. Louis University, where he earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mathematics, before completing his Ph.D. in 1971 at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

A beloved professor of mathematics for over 40 years, Charles touched countless lives through his teaching at Indiana State University (13 years), the University of South Alabama, and Spring Hill College, where he taught for 27 years and served as Department Chair before retiring in May 2011. During his time at Spring Hill College, he developed a History of Science curriculum born from his secondary love of history and taught all levels of mathematics. He helped students face their fear of mathematics, always striving to make the subject accessible while maintaining the highest standards of academic excellence. During the Commencement Address the year of his retirement, Dr. George Sims, provost, said, "Dr. Cheney taught everyone who wanted to learn with patience. As he challenged them with high standards, he also offered unfailing support and encouragement."

Outside the classroom, Charlie was an avid reader and lifelong learner, he made frequent trips to the library and bookstores, amassing a large collection of books, including an extensive selection on World War II history. Charles was also deeply musical, playing trumpet, trombone, French horn, clarinet, oboe, and piano. His love of music extended to his large record collection, which featured classical music and jazz. In retirement, Charles developed a love of painting and spent many hours in this creative pursuit amongst the company of his art group, painting, drinking coffee, and chatting.

Charlie found great joy in the companionship of his treasured dogs, Bear and Baxter, who were his constant companions as he watched Cardinals games and enjoyed his favorite films. A lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, he held a special reverence for outfielder Stan

Musial. His appreciation for storytelling extended beyond the pages to the silver screen, where The Godfather and A Christmas Story were often played on repeat, along with classic science fiction films like Creature from the Black Lagoon and The Thing.

Charlie will be remembered for his brilliant mind, his dedication to his students, and his love for his family. His legacy lives on in the countless students he inspired and the family who loved him dearly.

A visitation will be held at the Gautrelet Room at Spring Hill College, on December 8, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Joseph Chapel at Spring Hill College, Loras Court, Mobile, Alabama, on December 8, 2025, at 2:00 pm.

A graveside service will follow at Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 6100 Three Notch Rd, Mobile, Alabama.