Carlton Shankle Chaney

Mr. Carlton Shankle Chaney: Reflections of Life

'Shankle','Daddy', 'Pops', 'Pa Pa', 'Baw Paw'; 'Papa Chaney', 'Mr. Chaney' and 'Bro. Chaney'- all names for Carlton Shankle Chaney, the youngest son and one of 24 children ofNezzie Jackson Chaney and Aaron Chaney. Carlton Shankle Chaney was born inCommerce, Georgia on September 20, 1928. Born into a family of sharecroppers, Carltonlearned early in life about hard work and the importance of family. He also hadChristian parents who instilled godly values to all of their children. For Carlton,life was about loving and serving God, providing for family (and saving for therainy day); and helping others.

And all that, he did!

Carltonmoved to Indianapoliswhen he was very young with only a 6^th grade education. He livedwith his older brother and mentor, Colion Chaney. Carltonregretted not getting his high school diploma; perhaps that was the reason heinstilled high academics, discipline and hard work for his 7 children. Also, Carltoncould sing, play the guitar; and 'cut a rug'! He liked to dance and was avery good dancer that garnered him the nickname, 'Bo-Show'. Sometimes during family gatherings, 'Bo-Show'would dance only to be quickly imitated by his grandson, 'Mont'.

In 1945, Carlton Shankle Chaney met Jennie BellYates. After dating for two years, theywere married on June 7, 1947. To thisunion were born: Pat, L. Bro., Tony, Carla; Bruce, Terrence and Chris. Carlton loved his family whichtranslated into him working two (2) full time jobs (and on the 'grave yard'shift) at Omar Bakery and National Lead Plant - in order for his wife, Jennieto be home and raise their seven (7) children. Years later, because of his good work ethic and ability to work wellwith others, Carlton was employed by Martindale Areas Citizen's Service (MACS)where he worked with felons returning to society. His next job was at Chryslerwhere he was a security guard and later advanced to the position of firemarshall. While other fire marshallsrode scooters throughout Chrysler's plant, Mr. Chaney walked and became knownas 'the man that carried the big stick'. In 1998, Mr. Chaney retired fromChrysler after working there for over 20 years.

Daddy not only worked twofull-time jobs, he would always find special projects to do at home. Overalls and T-shirts were his common attireuntil Sunday mornings. One would oftenfind him with a hammer and some nails getting ready to remodel, repair or evenbuild a house, storage shed, garage, fences- you name it, Mr. Chaney was ready to work! When not working with a hammer and nails, one could find him working inhis yard or even in the yards of the elderly in the neighborhood. During wintermonths with snow on the ground, he with his snow blower would remove the snowfrom the neighbors' sidewalks. At Christmas, he would buy a lot of fruit togive to neighbors on Sheldon St. with a card with $5.00 in it. Mr.Chaney was the name everyone knew in the neighborhood.

CarltonChaney was a Christianman. He and Jennie were former membersof True Vine Missionary Baptist Church where they took their fourchildren. They later joined TrinityC.M.E. Church where Carlton servedas a Steward, trustee; sang with the Male Chorus, the Trinity Singers and the TrinityMass Choir. He was also a member of theLuther C. Stewart club. He participatedin many stewardship campaigns and church fundraisers. He was also Trinity's 'Father of theYear'. Mr. Chaney believed in tithing and when funds were low, he wouldwork at the church for free. Many yearslater, he joined Eastern Star where he enjoyed the preaching and singing with newfriends he called, 'the little church'. However,he returned home to Trinity C.M.E. Church under Dr. O'Neal Shyne, Jr. where heattended faithfully until his health began to fail.

Now, let's talk about 'OurDaddy'. 'If I Can Help Somebody…', 'Through it All', 'Lord, Help Me to HoldOut'; 'I Really Love the Lord', 'TheLord is Blessing Me' and 'I don't feel no ways tired' are just a few ofDaddy's favorite songs. More importantly,these songs depict his love for and trust in God as well as his desire to serveHim by helping others. God gifted Daddy with a beautiful voice and a talent toplay the guitar. With this love and giftof singing he also sang in ensembles and as a guest soloist at many servicesthroughout the city. His love forsinging was passed on to his children. With his guitar and the blended voices of his children, they becameknown as 'The Chaney Family.' Afterwards, he and daughter, Carla sang as a duet singing such songs as 'Only a Look' and 'Jesus Picked-up the Pieces'.

Out of his love forsinging and a passion to work and serve the Lord, Mr. Carlton S. Chaney had a much bigger vision and out of thisvision in October, 1975 'The CarltonChaney Singers' was formed. Initially, Daddy was not in favor of the name becausehe did not want to appear as if he was singing 'for any form or fashion'. Through the years, this ministry spirituallyimpacted the lives of over 175 children, teenagers and young adults and otherresidents throughout the Indianapolis community. The singing group later becameknown as the Edwin Carlton Chaney Singers(ECCS) as it is still known today.

Members of the ECCSlearned about salvation and the love of God through Bible Studies, raised moneyto purchase two buses through car washes, dinner sales and other activities toraise funds to support ministry efforts. Members also learned about helping others by giving to the needy,singing at nursing homes and hospitals; helping families who were victims offire and providing scholarships to college bound students. Commitment and discipline were learned by allmembers. There were rehearsals,activities and concerts every stillserving as choir directors, ministers of music, soloists, preachers;evangelists and national recording artists.

Mr.Carlton S. Chaneyreceived numerous awards for his work in uplifting and encouraging young peopleand helping families in the community. He was a recipient of the Indiana Jefferson Award. He was also Indiana Radio Station WTLC's 'Fatherof the Year.' A legend is defined as'one popularly believed to be historical; one who achieves legendary fame'-this is Carlton S. Chaney throughoutthe Indianapolis community.

A faithful servant of theLord, a loving husband and father/grandfather (with a strong hand), as well as a father to all in the ECCS; wewill always love Mr. Carlton ShankleChaney.

'Lord, help me to hold outuntil my change (has) come'; Daddy, you 'held out' and you held on. And, in sodoing, you blessed the lives of your family and so many others. Your change hascome, good and faithful servant and God has welcomed you Home!

Mr.Carlton Shankle Chaneyleaves to cherish his memory and continuehis legacy: sons, Carlton L. (Annie), Keith A. 'Tony' (James), Terrence L.and Christopher S.; daughters, Patricia E. (Egon) and Carla L. (Andrew). He also leaves to cherish his memory hisbeloved cousin, Bernice Harris of Commerce, GA; special daughters Janice Cummings and Nina Bobbitt (also hiscaregiver for many years), twenty (20) grandchildren and a host of great,great-great grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Lovingly submitted… The Family

And, we know that in all things godworks for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to Hispurpose. For those god foreknew, He predestined to be conformed to the likenessof His Son that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those He predestined, He also called;those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified. What, then, shall we say in response to this?If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8: 28-31

The Chaney Legacy Continues…

TheCarlton & Jennie Chaney Micro Learning Center (MLC) has been established. The MLC islocated at 2415 Dr. Andrew J. Brown, Indianapolis, IN and will be used formentoring and tutoring at risk youth on a curriculum consisting of music, principles and values on which Mr. Carlton Chaney founded the EdwinCarlton Chaney Singers. It will also bea site for counseling and processing expungements for ex-felons.

The legend and the legacylive on.

A Visitation was held at Trinity CME Church 2253 Dr. Andrew J. Brown Ave. Indianapolis IN 46205 at 9:00:00 AM on 2/25/2017.

A Celebration of Life was held at Trinity CME Church 2253 Dr. Andrew J. Brown Ave. Indianapolis IN 46205 at 12:00:00 PM on 2/25/2017.