Marion E Chenoweth

The landscape of Baca County would be forever changed by a singular event on October 5th, 1922, only no one knew it yet. Marion Eugene Chenoweth was born to Ira and Minnie Chenoweth at their home place on Cat Creek, Southeast of Springfield, and the 7th of what would be 12 children, 6 boys and 6 girls. He grew up on this home place, attending Springfield Schools, except for 2 years when the family lived at Lytle and Colorado Springs during the depression. In talking about school Marion would tell that he and Darold Denny started and finished school together, and that friendship continued until Marion's death, as they ended up as roommates at the nursing home here in Springfield. Marion graduated Springfield High in 1941. Following graduation he did farm work for Newt Arbuthnot, & his brothers Howard & Warren for a time. He then went to Colorado Springs where he worked at Camp Carson and then Peterson Field, until he was drafted into the US Navy in August of 1943. Because of the construction work he had been doing, he was assigned to the Construction Battalion division, the "Seabees". While he was in the Navy his objective became learning to operate whatever equipment he could "crawl on", because as he would say "This was my college education and Uncle Sam was paying for it". He was honorably discharged from the Navy in December of 1945. He returned to Colorado Springs following his discharge and went to work as a heavy equipment operator for a construction company. It was in Colorado Springs at a nightclub that he met Margaret Quick. They were married July 26, 1947. Later that year Marion acquired a bulldozer and a truck to haul it. He and Margaret came to Springfield for a 2 week job that turned into 69 years. Chenoweth Construction was created. All of Baca County is marked with basements, ponds, dams, windbreaks, landfills, and many other projects carved out with his machines, to house people, water cattle, break the fury of a blizzard, and serve many other needs. His heavy equipment experience would later influence the next 3 generations of his family. On March 19th, 1953, Marion and Margaret were blessed with the birth of a son, Charles Michael, and on December 4th, 1955 were blessed again with the birth of a daughter, Mary Ann. Margaret started teaching at Big Rock around 1950, and then 4 years later started teaching at Springfield, retiring in 1982 after 32 years of teaching. Marion continued his dirt moving business until his health prevented him from getting into the machines. Over the years he participated in various community organizations, but was mainly active in 2. He joined the VFW in 1960, where in addition to many other positions in the organization he held the Commander position for 7 years. Sometime around 1967, he with 11 other community members founded the Baca County Sheriff's Posse. He was an active Posse member for 40 years. Besides his family and community organizations, his interests remained linked to his work as a heavy equipment operator. He was a member of the Land Improvement Contractors Association (LICA) for 15+ years, serving as the Vice President of the Colorado Chapter for a time; attended North America's largest equipment trade show, ConExpo, from its inception, and had various machinery restoration projects over the years. A little over 20 years ago Marion got into a new hobby that would lead to an event in September that he and Margaret would look forward to every year. He began putting together and learning to fly remote control airplanes, eventually hosting a yearly fly-in at the pasture by the old homestead, now known as "Cow Patty Airfield". Throughout his life family was ever important to him. Along with raising his own two children, he and Margaret opened their home to their nephew Steve Cox, who spent a few summers and eventually stayed with them for his sophomore through Senior year, graduating with the SHS class of 1978. Through the years they welcomed the addition of 6 grandchildren, with Chuck raising 3 boys: Jeffrey Steven, Clayton Michael, and Chance Ryan; and Mary raising 2 girls and 1 boy: Kendra D'Ann, Brandi Danae, and Cade Len. In June of 2003 at the age of 78, his wife Margaret passed away, one month shy of 56 years of marriage. Over the years as his grandchildren have grown up, most have added significant others, and between them 8 Great Grandchildren to his list of family. Jeff brought wife PJ & added 3 Great Grandkids with the births of Gage, Kimber, and Slade; Clay brings girlfriend Katrina; Chance & girlfriend Sally add 1 Great Grandchild with Shelby; Kendra and husband Perry brought 4 Great Grandkids with Amber, Jason, Brady, & Rylan; Brandi brings boyfriend Patrick; & Cade is currently finishing college. He was preceded in death by his wife Margaret, Grandson Daniel, 4 brothers and 4 sisters, and his parents Ira and Minnie. With every interest, organization, or venture he embarked on he met and made friends, he will be missed by those many friends, as well as his many family. The family suggests memorial contributions be given to the Alzheimer’s Unit or Southeast Colorado Hospital at 373 East 10th Ave. Springfield, CO 81073 or by way of the funeral home.