Edgar A. Chamness

Edgar A. "Ed" Chamness, age 76 of Wilberforce, OH, passed away on Friday, July 19, 2019 at Hospice of Dayton. He was born in Howell, Michigan to John and Ruth (Wregglesworth) Chamness. Ed married Janice Piland on December 9, 1961 in Garden City, Kansas.

Ed became a member of the Central State University Hall of Fame in 2017. He has been affiliated with the Marauder athletics since joining the Central State University family in 1970. Ed was first hired to teach English and Journalism while also advising student publications in the Department of English. In addition, he served in the Office of Alumni Relations and Alumni Affairs as a writer and photographer which included taking pictures of athletics teams and individuals while documenting athletic events.

During his time on the faculty, Ed organized existing journalism courses within the Department of English and courses from other departments into an interdisciplinary major in Communications which was approved by the University Senate and has grown to be one of the University's most prolific programs.

President Lewis Jackson appointed Ed to the position of Director of Information Services in 1972. At the beginning of this new role, a vacancy in Department of Intercollegiate Athletics added a new dimension to his duties and started an affiliation on which continued throughout his Central State career.

Prior to the 1972 football season, Ed was called upon to take on the responsibilities of Sports Information Director on a temporary basis. That appointment afforded him the opportunity to work with some of the legendary figures and future Hall of Famers in Marauder athletic history. Dr. Vivian Lewis was Director of Athletics and her husband, Gaston F. (Country) Lewis was a member of the faculty after retiring from coaching. James Walker was the head football coach and William C. Lucas was head basketball coach.

While continuing to support the athletic program with photographic services and working with the Sports Information Office, Ed was called upon at various times to take on the sports information responsibilities over the ensuing years.

The whole Chamness family became involved in the athletic program as Chamness' wife, Janice, filmed football games for the coaches and for 18 years, beginning in 1972. She also was the athletic department secretary for several years. His sons, Jon Eric and Ramon, came along to road trips and served as ball boys at home and away games.

Following his retirement in 2007, Ed has continued to work with the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, primarily on a volunteer basis, as it has continued to grow and develop. He is a regular fixture at all athletic home events and continues to assist to Sports Information Office when called upon.

Ed said he has been privileged to work directly with many great coaches including James Walker and Billy Joe in football; Lu Wims and Norman Ward, Sr., in men's basketball; Josh Culbreath in track; and Theresa Check in women's basketball. In addition, he has seen the development of student-athletes like Rosie Turner, Pat Tramble, Al West, Donte Jackson, Sheba Harris and James Rollins who have returned to Central State over the years to carry on the great Marauder athletic tradition as coaches and teachers.

Ed is a graduate of Kansas State University and worked and taught as the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater before coming to Central State. He and his wife, Janice (a 1979 graduate and Central State retiree) lived in Wilberforce. Their sons have blessed them with twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Ed was member of the Miami Valley Quilters Guild and served as the editor of their newsletter and was past President of the Club. He enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren participate in sports and their social activities.

Ed is survived by his wife of 57 years, Janice; two sons, Jon Eric (Lindsay) Chamness Sr. and Ramon Lee Chamness; 6 grandsons, Jon Eric Jr., Carl, Ian, Adrian, Henri and Nalu; 6 granddaughters, Amanda, Janelle, Iesha Tiana, Margaret, Makama and Aloha Nani; 5 great grandchildren, Zayden, Morrison, Adeani, Willow and Legend; two sister, Doris Thompson and Sally Roser; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, John, David, Richard and Gardener; and a sister, Donna.

A Celebration of Ed's Life will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2019 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, 3380 Dayton-Xenia Road, Beavercreek, OH 45432.

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