Ohio Senators back effort to rename Springboro post office for WWII vet, longtime resident

Credit: Anthony Shoemaker

Credit: Anthony Shoemaker

On Wednesday, U.S. Senators Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, announced that legislation to rename the United States Postal Service facility in Springboro after city native, postal worker and World War II veteran Dick Chenault passed out of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

Credit: Anthony Shoemaker

Credit: Anthony Shoemaker

Warren County-area Congressman Steve Chabot introduced this legislation in the House that names the post office the Richard 'Dick' Chenault Post Office Building, after the Springboro native who served in World War II and was an active member of the Springboro community. Senators Portman and Brown supported the legislation in the Senate, sending a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee urging its passage.

“Dick Chenault was a World War II veteran and model citizen who served the Springboro community faithfully,” said Portman, a member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “By renaming the post office after him, we will honor his legacy and contributions to the country and the Springboro area.”

Brown also praised Chenault's service.

“When the U.S. Postal Service extended delivery to Springsboro, Dick Chenault was its first carrier for the community and spent 23 years with USPS,” said Brown. “Dick was no stranger to public service, having served during World War II, and later in the local police and fire departments. Renaming the Springsboro Post Office in his honor is a fitting way to thank his family for his contributions.”

Born in 1925, Chenault was a lifelong resident of Springboro. He was a member of the Clearcreek Township Volunteer Fire Department for 45 years, including 23 years as fire chief. He also served as a part time police officer in Springboro in the 1950s through early 1970s when the village had a largely volunteer police force. Chenault was a charter member and past president of the Springboro Lions Club. He held a perfect attendance record for 57 years.

He also worked at the U. S. Postal Service for 23 years.  When home delivery of mail began in Springboro in 1965, Chenault was the first letter carrier hired to deliver mail in Springboro. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, four children, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“Richard Chenault lived a life of service to his country and his community,” said Chabot. “Few people are as dedicated to their community as Mr. Chenault was to Springboro. The Richard Chenault Post Office will be an enduring reminder of everything he meant to the Springboro community, and everything the Springboro community meant to him.”

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