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Harold R. “Ted” Chenault, Jr. died peacefully on May 8, 2021, at Indian River Estates, with his daughters at his side.
Ted was born in Louisville, KY on October 6, 1933, the son of Harold and Sarah Burrus Chenault. He contracted polio in August 1954 before his senior year of college. Although polio left him a paraplegic, Ted went on to graduate from the University of Illinois and then obtain his law degree from the University of Louisville. He practiced in Frankfort, KY, but eventually headed south to Florida. He worked initially in Winter Park, but with his wife Marilyn and twin daughters, Elizabeth and Susan, moved to Vero Beach in 1971, having accepted a position with the Trust Department at the Indian River Citrus Bank. He was soon presented with the opportunity to start a Trust Department at the Beach Bank of Vero Beach (later acquired by Northern Trust). He loved to say that he never let the Beach Bank employees forget that the Trust Department opened on April Fool’s Day in 1977, though the success of his team there was no joke. Ted had a long, happy, and successful career at the Beach Bank, and retired from Northern Trust in 1997. He and Marilyn enjoyed many wonderful trips after his retirement, often accompanied by family members or close friends.
He was an eager servant in the Vero Beach community. Among his many endeavors, Ted helped organize the local YMCA and served as its President. He was a founder and the first President of Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) in Vero Beach, and was instrumental in starting the VNA & Hospice Foundation. He served as President of the Association for Retarded Citizens (now The ARC), as Vestry Treasurer of Trinity Episcopal Church, Treasurer of the Indian River Symphonic Association, a Board member for Riverside Theatre, and was a long-time member of the Exchange Club of Vero Beach, serving as Club President. He believed strongly in sharing his talents and helping those in need.
Ted met his future wife and best friend, Marilyn McDonald, in the eighth grade. She predeceased him in May 2007. He is survived by his brother, David W. Chenault, twin daughters Elizabeth Gerrald (Chuck) and Susan Chenault Hahn (Rick), three granddaughters (Emily, Daphne and Molly Gerrald), two bonus grandchildren (Samantha and Eric Hahn), and innumerable cherished friends. The funeral service will be private per his request, and Ted’s ashes will join Marilyn’s in the memorial garden at St. Mark’s Anglican Church in Vero Beach.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Exchange Club Scholarship Foundation Trust (P.O. Box 1982, Vero Beach, FL 32961), the VNA (1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960), or The ARC (1375 16th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960).
The family wishes to offer special thanks to his caring team at Indian River Estates, including Lindsay, Shannon, Florence, Tracy, Denisha, Terilynn, Cheresa, Ivana, Holly, Soila, his favorite cook Mary, and the many others who assisted their “Teddy Bear” over his seven years at Willowbrooke Court.
Ted will be remembered for his winning smile, positive attitude and indomitable spirit, his love of family and loyalty to friends, and his dedicated service to the community he lived in and loved for 50 years. Please raise a glass in his memory the next time you are at Bobby’s or the Ocean Grill.
Arrangements by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2024 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Pam Proffitt - None
May 12, 2021, 6:56 pm
To the family of Ted Chenault – I fondly remember Ted at The Beach Bank and as a teacher at one of my paralegal courses at Indian River Community College in the late 70’s. At my job at Gould Cooksey Fennell I had many interactions with Ted and they were always met with courtesy, humor and helpfulness. As a teacher of the probate and trust course at the college, he was so friendly, humorous and enlightening. I also know Susan and she is definitely a “chip off the old block”. Rest in peace and enjoy your reunion with Marilyn. Sincerely and affectionately, Pam Proffitt.
Pam Schlamowitz - friend
May 12, 2021, 11:04 pm
My mom, Jean Crozier, moved to Indian River Estates in 2010 and Ted was one of her early friends & neighbor. His personality lit up the room and he was a favorite dinner companion in the East community until he moved to Willowbrooke . My mom still got over to see him when she could. He was so welcoming and friendly, with a great sense of humor- even the self-deprecating kind. I am grateful to have known him, even for this brief time and know that my mom and so many others at the Estates will miss him, as I’m sure his family will also.
Aileen Hoguet - Family friend
May 13, 2021, 12:58 pm
What wonderful man, we will all miss him. Love to you all, Aileen Hoguet
Eugene J. O'Neill - Friend
May 15, 2021, 12:33 am
Susan and Elizabeth, I am so sorry to learn of Ted’s passing. I smile when I think of him as he was always a sweet, but nevertheless professional, man. I know it is a great loss for you and he will be missed by many. May he Rest In Peace.
Lynne Larkin - Friend
May 16, 2021, 3:48 pm
This is one of those times when you feel Vero Beach shift slightly as it adjusts to losing someone so important to so many. We knew him at the Beach Bank [my grandparents, did, as well], from his many civic endeavors, and his gracious friendship to all who knew him. His most important role, of course, was member of the Chenault clan, led by Marilyn and staffed by a loving crowd of daughters and grandkids, along with Witt. My most sincere condolences to the entire crew, I know how very much he meant to you. His light will shine brightly through you all.
Charles Fox - Friend
July 30, 2021, 5:25 pm
I am sorry to learn about Ted I had known him and worked for him for years when he lived at his apartment on the beach where he had lived in for over four decades.he was always a happy person and sharing a great story about things and his life and family. I will indeed raise my glass in my small way of paying tribute to a great man. charlie fox of Vero Beach florida