Arthur Eugene McChesney
October 11, 1925 ~ February 17, 2019
Born in: East Brady, Pennsylvania
Arthur Eugene "Gene" McChesney was born in East Brady to Beulah (Smith) and John McChesney on October 11, 1925. He was their last surviving son. He was predeceased by his parents; his brothers, Henry, James, and Robert; and his sisters, Aletha (Ray) Snow, Hazel (Howard) Snow, Ethyl (Lloyd) Deeter.Surviving to cherish his memory are his sisters, Lorraine (Henry) Grandelis and Shirley (Stan) Pierson; his sister-in-law, Marilyn McChesney (Jim); plus countless nieces, nephews, and friends made along the way.He and his first wife, Norma McLure, were married until her passing in 1994. They shared the loss of an infant son, Richard Eugene, who died on April 18, 1953.Gene found his true traveling companion when he met his 2nd wife, Earlene Jeffries. They began their life's journey by honeymooning in Paris and traveled the USA and the world together, until her death in 2010.Gene loved walking on a sandy beach and most of all traveling. He was able to enjoy these blessings to the very end of his life with the love and support of his step-daughter, Wanda Jeffries. It was on February 17, 2019 in Hilton Head, SC that Gene took his last journey to his beloved Earlene and Richard, his son, in Heaven.True to his nature, Gene found a profession to suit his rambling soul, a railroad man. He was employed by CXS until retirement in 1993. He resided in Blasdell, NY until that time, then relocated to Oil City to be near his family.Gene was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Oil City and had a close network of church friends. That network extended to the daily ritual of coffee "with the boys" at Spilling The Beans and McDonald's. All will miss his beautiful smile and gentle ways.One of the Greatest Generation, Gene served his country during World War II along with his brothers flung across Europe and Africa. He was part of the 1st Infantry Panzer Division rolling across some of the most hard fought battle grounds, including the Battle of the Bulge and the Bridge at Remagen. As Gene would say, "We just kept moving along."At the end of the war, a young PFC McChesney was put in position to guard the Nazi war criminals at Nuremberg. When he became an MP. It was his assignment to escort the most heinous war criminals, such as Goering and Hess, in the 3rd Reich to the courtroom to meet their fates daily. He was able to collect the signatures of the most prominent Nazis with a smile and a pen.Gene was recently honored along with other Veterans in a ceremony in Meadville. He attended the ceremony in his original uniform, still in fighting shape. He was always proud of his service and finally began to speak about his war experiences, and was recorded. To see his interview, please visit or visit www.youtube.com and search Eugene McChesney.He had many hobbies besides traveling. He was a photographer, a musician, swimming, and square dancing. His step-daughter, Wanda, made sure he enjoyed it all until the very end.Now Arthur Eugene has taken his final journey to be reunited with his loved ones who have gone before him.A Memorial Service for Gene will be held on April 12, 2019 starting at 11 am at the First Presbyterian Church, 215 E Bissell Ave, Oil City, PA 16301.Interment will be held at Brandon Cemetery, where Gene will be laid to rest with full military honors, accorded by the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard.Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, PA 16323.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Gene's honor to the First Presbyterian Church, 215 E Bissell Ave, Oil City, PA 16301.To send cards, online condolences, or for more information, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.
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When I was very young, perhaps 7 or 8 . I was playing on Elk St and South Park in front of the Christian Sciench Church. I heard someone calling my name and as I looked up I saw this Man approaching me coaming down from the park sharp as can be in his Army Uniform . As he got within perhaps 20 feet from me he stooped down and reached out to me and I ran as fast as I could and leaoed into his arms. Yep that was my special Uncle Gene. He carried me all the way to my house to suprise his sister , my mom. Uncle Gene, Everybody’s Friend . Never a bad word for anyone. A Pure Godly Man now Having Jumped Into the Glorious Strong Arms Of JESUS. Sure Love And Miss My Special Uncle Gene. One Day Uncle Gene Maybe, Just Maybe I Can Jump Into Your Arms Again. That Is IF I first jump into the Precious Arms Of JESUS . I can only trust I could be so blessed .
I lost my grandpa when I was 8. I met George when I was 17 and pretty much immediately adopted Grandpa Genie as my own. For the past 33 years I have had the honor of loving this man and being loved by him. Grandpa left us all very rich indeed…not with earthly wealth that fades away, but with an example of how to live your faith that will last eternally. He wasn’t afraid to fight to protect his country and those he loved, yet he preferred to live in peace. He thought more of serving others than of being served. When he came to visit I would often find him sweeping the garage or he wanted to lend a hand with dishes. He lovingly cared for his sister, Shirley, who lovingly cared for him in return. He was a “taxi service” to bring the elderly to church. Church…hearing the word of God was of utmost importance to him. When he came to visit us on Sundays, he made sure to come early enough to worship with us in our church. Grandpa built others up. He encouraged us. He always called me his princess with the golden hair. If I am a princess, he was definitely a king among men. 1 Peter 1:24 states “People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades.” Grandpa’s earthly body has faded, but his soul lives on. First and foremost he is with our Father in heaven where we will join him. Secondly, the essence of Grandpa lives on in all of us, his living legacy.
Grandpa Gene was a smart, kind, generous, hardworking man and I am a better person for having him in my life. Some of my favorite memories are spending weeks in the summer in Buffalo at my Grandpa and Grandmas house. I love you Grandpa—Your Little Duckie.
My ‘Grandpa Genie’ was a true gift from God to all who came into contact with him. You’ll never meet a more kind, sweet, caring, and loving man as he. A man of incredibly strong faith with a devoted love for our Lord, Grandpa never passed up an opportunity to shine God’s light into the lives of others. He meant more than words can explain to my wife and I, all of our children, and to his great great grandchildren who loved him so dearly. I will especially miss sharing the day’s events with him as we used to talk on the phone just about every single day. While he will surely be missed, it is comforting to know that he will be reunited in Heaven with all of his loved ones eagerly awaiting his arrival. Thank you Grandpa Genie for just being you.
Grandpa Genie was a loving father and grandfather to all his children and grandchildren. I remember spending every summer with him and Grandma Norma both in Oil City and Blasdell. We had such fun. I also remember the many trips we took all over the US and to Europe. He loved to travel and always made a new friend on whatever trip we took. Later when Grandma Norma was sick he too great care of her. He made sure they both made it to my wedding to Jon. I will miss him. I am fortunate to have such good memories of spending time with him.
Granddaughter Kim Zolnier
My heart skipped a beat today when George told me you passed away. After a moment of silence I felt overwhelming peace knowing you’re in heaven now. You touched so many souls. I only knew you for a few years, and every time I would visit Beth and George home you always would talk mostly about God, also your time over seas and in New York. You’re a special angel now, I’ll cherish the memories I have of you holding my babies and talking to them. The time when you came with Beth to Anthony’s grandparents day program, when you painted bird houses with Beth and Brice, when you would call Noah a girl because he had long blonde hair 🙂 and the time you came to visit little Lily and corrected me on how to hold her <3 I know Jesus was there at the pearly gates waiting for you, saying “well done good and faithful servant”. I love you. Until we all meet again!
My special Uncle Gene, You truly were one of a kind. I will always remember your sweet kind smile wonderful stories and most encouraging words. You were some one that we looked up to and could always count on you for anything. You were the most wonderful son, husband, brother, uncle, friend and soldier. I am sure you were greated by our wonderful family at heavens pearly gates. I will always keep my wonderful memories of you tucked away in a special part of my heart. I know you are in a much better place but you are greatly missed here. I love you Uncle Gene !! ????????
When I first started my railroad career I worked as a crew dispatcher in Oil City, Pa. Gene worked off of our crew board in engine service, working between Oil City and Buffalo New York. As my memory serves me Gene was always in a good mood and had a great disposition. It is amazing that I left Oil City in 1967 to railroad in Washington D.C. but we both retired from CSX in different parts of the country. Gene was a very good person and you can not say anything better for a persons life than that, he was a very good person.
Bill Chamberlain, Saint Augustine, Florida
Heaven has gained another angel with the passing of my Papa Gene. He truly was an amazing person who always put others before himself. My very first memory of my great grandfather was a visit to his house in Oil City. His wife, Grandma Norma was nearing the end of her life, but I remember seeing the two of them together, with him right by her side, taking care of her. I would see him again shortly after that visit, but Grandma Norma was not there. I asked him where she was, and he responded that she was in Heaven. I am glad that he can now be with her. I have countless more memories shared with him throughout the years. When he would come to my house, he would sleep in my room with me. I always felt so special that he was in my room. I was a weird kid (I am still weird) and showed great interest in the fact that he would take his teeth out before bed. (I had no idea what dentures were at the time!) He, of course, took no offense to my questions, and explained in great detail the process of removing and cleaning his teeth before bed! I remember him bringing his jugs of water from Oil City. He thought it was the best water in the world. He would get them out of his trunk, and share that water (usually warm) with me. We would drink an entire jug of it in one sitting! Oh what I would do to have another drink of that water from his trunk. When visiting, he would always be doing something for somebody else. I’d lose site of him, but would know exactly where he was: sweeping the garage or driveway. He would also help around the house, not allowing anyone to clean his dish for him. He was always looking out for the needs of others. He eventually remarried when he met Earlene. I have fond memories of visiting her farm in the summer, catching snakes and crawfish. I remember Papa Gene taking us to the Cranberry Mall during those visits, and being so proud of his mall! He also was proud of his McDonald’s, and I fondly remember him taking my brothers and me there as well. Papa Gene took pride in everyone and everything. He took pride in my entire family, from my Grandma Jackie and Papa Tom, to his grandson (my dad,) to his granddaughters (my Aunt Kim and Aunt Chrissie,) and the spouses of them (my mom, my Uncle Jon, my other Uncle John, and of course my mom. He considered all of them is grandchildren. My siblings, cousins, and I were loved dearly by him as well, and we loved our great grandfather. I can remember a time around my birthday (it was an important one, as I had turned 13.) He made sure to take me to breakfast, just him and me, and talk to me about life. It was so important to him to take me that day, and I was so grateful that he did. My favorite memory of all, however, was the feeling I got when I would see him, whether it be a holiday or simply him coming to visit. He brought instant joy to me, and I could tell I would bring joy to him. He had that way of making you feel so good about yourself, no matter what was going on in your life. He showed great interest in every aspect of my life. I was so fortunate that he was able to meet my daughter Ariel, his great great granddaughter, and am lucky to have the stories to tell her about her amazing great great grandfather. There are so many more memories I could write about, but they all have the same theme. Papa Gene put everyone before himself, no matter what he was feeling. He was the definition of what a Man of God is, and showed me many things about how I should carry myself in life. I would do anything to be able to see him again, to see him smile and light up with joy as we embraced each other with a hug. One day, I hope to be able to do that in Heaven. I love you Papa Gene. I hope the water in Heaven is as good as the water in Oil City!