Myron Chaffee

Myron led a long, full life for 92 years, having retired at the age of 80. He grew up in KCMO, lived over 50 years in Prairie Village, KS before living his remaining years in Olathe, KS. He is predeceased by his first wife of 50 years, Louise Chaffee, and his second wife of 16 years, Beulah Ellington. He is survived by his four children: Myron Earl Chaffee II (Sheila), Nancy Louise Sanchez (Michael), Carolyn Sue McCollum, Patricia Meyer, 9 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren.

He graduated from Westport High School. After the war he attended the University of Kansas City (UMKC) and graduated with a degree in Economics.

Growing up was spent outside with his brother, cousins and friends riding bikes, playing at the farm and playing word games.

He joined the Army in 1943, 1st Infantry Division, 123rd Military Police Company. He spent much of his time in Ireland training a K-9 unit. As a 2nd Lieutenant, he was in charge of War Dog teams conducting investigations of illegal activity in France. Later he was stationed in Germany, in charge of a platoon of 45. He established schools in agronomy and engineering at Junior High School and Junior College level from concept to implementation with no books available to start. He was discharged in April, 1946 and married Louise in July.

After working with the family typewriter company, living over the store at 1400 Grand, having his first child and graduating from college, he bought the family house. As Prairie Village was being developed for the GI's, the Chaffee's bought the second house in their block and stayed for 50 years, raising children and dogs.

Myron was a highly regarded salesman. All of the 1950's was spent selling – from boxes to lawnmower parts to bakery equipment. Then in 1961, he switched to selling insurance and continued with the insurance industry until retiring on his 80th birthday.

He was very active outside of his work life. Before moving to Olathe, he was Scoutmaster bar none, active with the Independence, MO Sertoma Club and Masons. He has mentored hundreds of young men through the Boy Scouts, taking many trips to hike at Philmont Scout Ranch in NM and canoe trips into Canada, along with Camp Naish in Bonner Springs, KS. He was awarded the Silver Beaver Award, the highest award available to a Scoutmaster. It was the first time scouts nominated a Scoutmaster.

After moving to Olathe to start a new second life after Louise passed away and he married "Bee", he became very active in the Olathe community. Myron wasn't just a member of the Clockwinders Optimist Club, but was actively involved with all their activities. He was the #1 seller of ribs. He and Bee were faithful supporters of Youth Court. He also became involved with the American Legion.

Family and friends were most important to him. He never knew a stranger. He had his Friday Lunch Bunch, his Wednesday Breakfast group, his Tuesday bereavement support group. And then there were the bridge groups. He grew up playing bridge and continued throughout both marriages.

Myron loved music – all kinds; supported Louise's piano studio activities and annual recitals. With Bee, they continued supporting Yardley Hall's fine arts programs at JCCC. He loved singing, which started with a youth church choir and in the school choir, became song leader at church and was the outstanding bass of a quartet.

The Lord was an important part of his life. In Prairie Village, the family was one of the early members of Prairie Baptist Church. He taught Sunday School for many years as well as a vital member of the music program. In Olathe, he attended Grace United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday School and was the official knife sharpener for the Silver Set luncheons.

Travelling was a highlight of his life. He was a world traveler, literally. It started while growing up with his parent's travels and then reinforced when the Army sent him everywhere. Marrying Louise expanded the travels in the USA with the in-laws. He visited all 50 states, New Zealand, Australia, Panama, and Spain. He returned to Ireland so Bee could visit her Irish family and he could see his Army sites. All trips were by car or cruise, enjoying God's creations and all the people along the way. Camping and hiking was the preferred mode when the children were growing up and transitioned to RV travel as he grew older.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Myron Chaffee's name to Lazarus Ministries or Worldwide Fistula Fund.

http://worldwidefistulafund.org

https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/worldwidefistualfund (Copy and paste the URL address into your browser)

Checks can be mailed to: Worldwide Fistula Fund, Two Woodfield Lake, 1100 E. Woodfield Road, Suite 350, Schaumburg, IL 60173


Lazarus Ministries Grand Avenue Temple UMC, 205 E 9 St, Kansas City MO 64106
"Gift of Hope" card online (or check) www.grandavenuetempleumc.org






To leave a special message for the family or to share a memory of Myron, please click on the "Share Memories" tab above.