Obituary for Hartwell Lynn Chenault
Hartwell Lynn Chenault, 78, of Roanoke, died peacefully at his home on Saturday, September 7, 2019.
Born in Richmond, Lynn graduated from Maury High School in Norfolk. He majored in music at Duke University and graduated in 1962. Lynn served in the Army Reserves. He became a “music man” the next year teaching band in Henrico County. The shift to social work began the following year when he was employed as a probation officer at the Henrico County Juvenile Court. That led him to earn a master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Louisville.
His career was mostly in community behavioral health, the last 34 years of it as CEO of area community mental health operations in southern MI, northern OH, and VA, respectively. He retired from New River Valley Community Services in Blacksburg, VA in 2006, after 24 years as Executive Director.
During retirement, Lynn worked very part time as an accreditation surveyor of similar organizations in the US and Canada. He taught English as a second language for the local community college and also taught GED classes.
He was preceded in death by his father, Rev. Henry S. Chenault, and his mother, Frances Moore Chenault. Also preceding him was his sister, Mary Chenault Bomar. Surviving Lynn is his wife, Barbara Oakes Chenault; brother, Henry S. Chenault, Jr., and Genevieve Chenault, of Richmond, and brother Doug Chenault of Norfolk; son, Jim Chenault and Jenny Zhang, of San Antonio, Texas, son, Brian Chenault and Rose Chenault, of Woerden, The Netherlands, and step-daughter, Jill Bain and Larry Wilker of Roanoke; grandchildren, Evan Zhang Chenault, Tessa Lynn Chenault, and Owen James Chenault. Lynn also had several nieces and nephews. Lynn loved his family, his work, his music, and his travel adventures. He was a leader in life, both personally and professionally, leading with humility and a kind and gentle nature.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, 305 Roanoke Blvd. Salem, VA 24153. In honor of Lynn’s wishes, a receiving of friends and a celebratory reception will be held immediately following the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New River Valley Community Services, 700 University City Blvd., Blacksburg, VA 24060.
Online condolences can be made by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.
Born in Richmond, Lynn graduated from Maury High School in Norfolk. He majored in music at Duke University and graduated in 1962. Lynn served in the Army Reserves. He became a “music man” the next year teaching band in Henrico County. The shift to social work began the following year when he was employed as a probation officer at the Henrico County Juvenile Court. That led him to earn a master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Louisville.
His career was mostly in community behavioral health, the last 34 years of it as CEO of area community mental health operations in southern MI, northern OH, and VA, respectively. He retired from New River Valley Community Services in Blacksburg, VA in 2006, after 24 years as Executive Director.
During retirement, Lynn worked very part time as an accreditation surveyor of similar organizations in the US and Canada. He taught English as a second language for the local community college and also taught GED classes.
He was preceded in death by his father, Rev. Henry S. Chenault, and his mother, Frances Moore Chenault. Also preceding him was his sister, Mary Chenault Bomar. Surviving Lynn is his wife, Barbara Oakes Chenault; brother, Henry S. Chenault, Jr., and Genevieve Chenault, of Richmond, and brother Doug Chenault of Norfolk; son, Jim Chenault and Jenny Zhang, of San Antonio, Texas, son, Brian Chenault and Rose Chenault, of Woerden, The Netherlands, and step-daughter, Jill Bain and Larry Wilker of Roanoke; grandchildren, Evan Zhang Chenault, Tessa Lynn Chenault, and Owen James Chenault. Lynn also had several nieces and nephews. Lynn loved his family, his work, his music, and his travel adventures. He was a leader in life, both personally and professionally, leading with humility and a kind and gentle nature.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, 305 Roanoke Blvd. Salem, VA 24153. In honor of Lynn’s wishes, a receiving of friends and a celebratory reception will be held immediately following the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New River Valley Community Services, 700 University City Blvd., Blacksburg, VA 24060.
Online condolences can be made by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.