Denny R. Chestney

Please join Denny's family and friends for food, drink, and fellowship to celebrate Denny's life. This Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 21st from 4 to 8 p.m. at Darnall's Gun Works and Ranges, 6125 County Rd 1175 N in Bloomington.

--------

Denny Robert Chestney left this world on September 28, 2017 at his home. His companion and sidekick, Bonnie Alkire, as well as his dog, Maggie, were by his side. Denny had been experiencing difficulties with his heath for several weeks.

Surviving Denny is his son Steven Bennett (Lisa) Chestney, with their sons, Shane Bennett and Spencer Callahan Chestney, who all reside in Bloomington; a daughter Stacy RaeAnn (Wayne) Barton, with their sons, Denny Ray and David Lee Barton of Pueblo, Colorado.

Also surviving are his brothers, James Kenneth Chestney of Medora, Illinois and Steven Lee (Jane) Chestney of Hudson, Illinois, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his wife of 48 years, Sharon Rea Bennett-Chestney, and a sister-in-law, Carolyn Carey-Chestney.

Denny Robert Chestney entered this world in Bloomington at Mennonite Hospital on December 16, 1940.

Denny’s mother, Virginia Colvin-Chestney (1921-1991) was as wonderful a mother and person as there ever was. His father, James Robert-Chestney (1921-2009) was a war hero who served during WW2, a mechanical genius, and a railroad engineer.

While growing up in Bloomington, Denny played first string football at Bloomington High School (BHS), was in an a capella choir, and enjoyed fishing. In 1958, he graduated from BHS. He graduated from Peoria Barber College in 1960. His barber’s chair was located at Lee’s barbershop in Bloomington from 1959 to 2017. Some may say that it is unfortunate that he passed so soon after retiring, but the truth is that Denny enjoyed the atmosphere and sense of community from working at the barbershop. If not for his health, he may have never retired.

He married Sharon Rea Bennett on November 26, 1960 at Faith United Methodist Church in Bloomington. They lived in an apartment on East Locust until about the time their first son Steven was born in 1962 when they moved to 1212 Dogwood. A fond memory shared by his brother tells of a house warming party where everyone brought cans of food with no labels. Oh, and not all human food.

In 1965, their daughter Stacy was born.

“Barber”, was Denny’s job, but it was not who he was. Denny was an exceptional marksman and highly successful trap shooter. His passion for trapshooting spanned over 50 years. He was renowned in the field. In 2014, the Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA) honored Denny at the Grand American. At the 1976 Grand American Competition, Denny came in 2nd overall in the doubles tournament. According to ATA records (only going back to 1970) Denny officially shot 211,295 targets. This number does not include pre 1970 statistics, countless unofficial competitions, and practice targets.

Other passions included remote control airplane design and flying. He was also a ham radio enthusiast.

Denny was an awesome grandpa and will be sorely missed by his four grandsons. He was a good source for solid advice and knew how raise your spirits.

Steven and Stacy are eternally grateful for the love and care that Bonnie has provided to Denny over the last few years. She will always be in the Chestneys' hearts and minds.