January 21, 1936- October 25, 2026
Louis “Sonny” Arthur Cheney, 90, Peacham, died at home surrounded by family on Sunday, October 25, 2026. He was born in St. Johnsbury, VT, on January 21, 1936, to Arthur and Esther (Corriveau) Cheney. He was raised in East Barnet and attended Barnet schools.
He met Irene Vachon while at a dance at his father’s barn. He married her at the parsonage in Barnet on September 18, 1954. He worked in several jobs locally, including at Fairbanks Scales and at Goss Tire, but spent most of his life as a self-employed carpenter. He was a member of Elks Lodge 1343 in St. Johnsbury, Moose Lodge 1779 in St. Johnsbury, and was a Freemason at Pulaski Lodge 58 in Wells River, VT. He served with the VT National Guard for twelve years.
Sonny enjoyed dancing, spending time with family, gardening vegetables and flowers, and hunting deer, moose, elk, and caribou. He was a fly fisherman, and he loved spending hours in the woods and along streams on Mack Mountain.
He is predeceased by his parents, two grandchildren, Bryan Cheney and Tonya Southworth. He is survived by his wife of over 72 years, Irene Cheney, one son, Arthur L. Cheney, and his wife, Marlisa of McIndoe Falls; three daughters, Debrah Locke and her husband Raymond of West Barnet, VT, Doris Cheney of Zephyrhills, FL, and Denise Cheney and her husband Neil McFarland of Lyndonville; two sisters, Ruth Descoteaux of East Barnet, and Priscilla Hendrick of Lyndonville; 18 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.
Calling hours will be Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 5-7 PM at Ricker Funeral Home and Cremation Care of Woodsville, 1 Birch St. The memorial service will be Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 11 AM at the Barnet Center Church (which will be heated), 276 Barnet Center Rd. Barnet, VT, with burial to follow at the Barnet Center Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Caledonia Home Health and Hospice, 161 Sherman Dr., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
To offer the family an online condolence, please visit www.rickerfh.com
Ricker Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Woodsville is assisting the family with arrangements.