Rex Chaney

Rex Chaney, 89, of Morehead, KY, passed away Saturday, March 30, 2024, at St. Claire Medical Center in Morehead, KY.

He was born on July 3, 1934, in Rowdy, KY, in Perry County, the eldest child of Roy and Lola Chaney.

Rex is survived by his wife, Sarah Kidwell Chaney; son, Rex Lee Chaney of Morehead, KY; daughter, Jennifer Brown Chaney Murtaugh, and husband Rev. Timothy Murtaugh, of Frankfort, MI; two grandchildren, Eric Estill and Olivia Estill, both of Louisville, KY. Brothers, Reece Chaney, and wife Mary, of Fishers, IN; Ross Chaney, and wife Karen, of Morehead, KY; a sister, Rena Welch, and husband Tom, of Lexington, KY. Nieces and nephews, Tammy Cullen, Ron Chaney, Rusty Chaney, Pam Hart and Robin Chaney Hartman; and many friends scattered across the country.  Rex was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Lola Chaney, and sister, Reva Brumagen.

Rex was a graduate of Breathitt County High School and received his Bachelor of Science degree at Morehead State, where he was a member of Campus Club and a charter member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He earned a Master of Science degree from Morehead State and a doctorate degree from Indiana University.

He joined MSU’s Health, Physical Education and Recreation faculty in 1961. Rex served as the MSU head baseball coach from 1961 to 1967, leading the team to a 111-56 record, earning the OVC Baseball Coach of the Year in 1963. He also served four seasons as an assistant men’s basketball coach, recruiting the first African American players; and as the MSU Cross Country Team coach. Rex served as the men’s golf coach at MSU from 1977-2014, earning the title of OVC Coach of the Year after MSU captured league championships in 1977, 1981, 1993, and 1999. He also directed the Eagles to six other top-three finishes at the annual conference tournament.

Rex was a two-time inductee into the MSU Athletics Hall of Fame, in 2000 and 2014, being the only person to be inducted while still coaching. He was inducted into the OVC Hall of Fame in 2015 and the KGA Hall of Fame in 2016.

Rex was the author of several articles on leisure and recreation and baseball and co-authored The Everything Golf Instruction Book.

Rex was a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Morehead, serving as an elder and Chairman of the Board.

Rex retired from teaching after 38 years and coaching after 56 years, guiding and encouraging countless students during his tenure.

During his retirement, Rex enjoyed golfing, reading, spending time with his family and dogs and wintering in Florida.

Visitation is at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals (400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351) on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a funeral service beginning at 2 p.m. with Rev. Nancy Gowler and Rev. Tim Murtaugh officiating. The service will be live streamed at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Facebook page beginning at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Morehead State University Men’s Golf Team, MSU Foundation, PO Box 628, Morehead, KY 40351; First Christian Church of Morehead, 227 East Main St., Morehead, KY 40351; and Rowan County Public Library, 175 Beacon Hill Dr., Morehead, KY 40351.

View memorial tribute and sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com

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