Checkan

Joseph William Checkan, 53, passed away unexpectedly May 11, 2022, in Ooltewah, Tenn.

Born Sept. 28, 1968, in Butler, Joe was the youngest son of the late Donald Charles and Barbara Joyce (Selle) Checkan.

Joe grew up in the small town of Evans City, and graduated from Seneca Valley High School, where he excelled in football and track.

He went on to join the U.S. Coast Guard, served two tours of duty and earned an honorable discharge.

Later Joe earned his master’s license and was a towboat captain on the inland waterways. In 2018, Joe founded American Electric in Chattanooga, Tenn.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his paternal grandparents, Charles Checkan and Hazel Moyer; and his maternal grandparents, Earl and Betty Selle.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 10 years, Darlene (Krajnak) Checkan; his son, Preston A. Checkan; his daughter, Nadia N. Checkan; his brothers, Donald (Bonnie) Checkan, Richard (Bonnie) Checkan and Jeffrey (Carey) Checkan; his brother-in-law, David (Tina) Krajnak; his nieces and nephews, Shane, Corey, Colin, Kaitlyn, Nick, Wyatt, Tyler, Conner and Marissa; and many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends he considered family.

Joe was an avid dog lover, along with his wife, and he leaves behind his beloved Stanley, Kota, Lilly, Blaze, Georgia and Geno.

CHECKAN — A celebration of life for Joseph William Checkan, who died Wednesday, May 11, 2022, is planned for 1 p.m. Sunday, May 22, 2022, at the Zelienople Community Park shelter 4. All friends and family are welcome to attend.

A separate celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 28, 2022, at his home in Ooltewah, Tenn. Joe always said if anything ever happened to him he didn’t want a funeral, just a big party, so let’s send him off with the biggest one ever.

Arrangements were entrusted to HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME, Brainerd Chapel, Chattanooga, Tenn.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up at Truist Bank in the name of his wife, Darlene Checkan.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.