Chad McCune Obituary

Chief Deputy Chad Taylor McCune of Des Moines County Sheriff's office, passed away peacefully at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington, IA on December 31, 2024 surrounded by his family, with his friends and "comrades" in the Sheriff's Department very close by. He left this world with the dignity and grace with which he helped lead the department. His wife, Dawn, the love of his life, was by his side until the end and his children, Brynn and Cael, were on the other side holding his hand as he stepped away without pain.
Chad was a great guy who enjoyed the best things in life. The beach, the river, the lake, a good time, music, a good beer, good friends, St. Paddy's day, Jimmy Buffet, motorcycle rides, Iowa Hawkeye football, The Kansas City Chiefs and the list goes on. And throughout every memorable moment, his wife was there with him. His children, Brynn and Cael, were a big part of his heart and he was bound and determined to show and share his secrets to living life to the fullest to them.
Chad was born on June 14, 1971 at Burlington Medical Center in Burlington, IA. He attended Burlington High School and graduated in 1989. Right after graduation he joined the Air Force and was stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base in Knob Noster, MO and served as a member of the security police and the CMSU Rugby Club, the original Whiteman Air Force Base Rugby Team from 1991-1993. After leaving the Air Force, Chad began his career in the Des Moines County Sheriff's office in 1994. He met his Dawn in June 1995 at Steamboat Days and they began dating in August 1995. They were married on June 7 of 1997 at St. Paul's Church in Burlington, IA. He was truly a Burlington native.
Prior to serving in the role of Chief Deputy for 3 years, Chad served as a Patrol and Administrative Lieutenant, Patrol Sergeant, Narcotics Investigator, and Commander and Team Leader of the Des Moines County Tactical Response Unit. Chad served in many other roles as an instructor and training officer for the Des Moines County Sheriff's Department. Chad served as a Des Moines County Sheriff's Deputy for 30 years. "He was instrumental in establishing the field training program and developing the deputies and leadership of this office to what they are today."
Chad was also a proud founding member of The Shed, and an avid member of The Shoquoquon Boat Club.
Those who greeted him in paradise were Dorothy and Dexter Rickeberg, Walter and Margaret McCune, Charles and Effie McCune, his father-in-law Dr. Rolando G. Paragas, his Akita, Niko, and Jimmy Buffet. Those he left behind for now are his wife, Dawn Sherry Paragas McCune, his children, Brynn Taylor McCune (Jaysan Peterson) and Cael Samuel Paragas McCune, his sister, Tracy Swenson (Carl), his stepsister, Dianna Todd (Shannon), his stepbrother Tim Klaassen (Ann), his mother-in-law, Liwayway Paragas, sisters-in-law, Suzanne Sorensen (Eric), Esther Murphy (Craig) and brother-in-law, Richard Paragas (Jessica) and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. These were the important family who supported and loved Chad. His friends were a big part of his world and will forever be the smile and laughter on his face.
Chad's Celebration of Life will begin on Thursday, January 16, with a Private Family viewing at Lunning Chapel in Burlington, IA. Friends may call on Friday, January 17, from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm, at Lunning Chapel where the family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Please enter the funeral home using the single door entrance on Deer Run Drive during the family visitation times. The Services as we reflect and share Chad's life will be at The Memorial Auditorium on Saturday, January 18, at 10:30 am. The Final Moment will be at Aspen Grove Cemetery immediately following the procession from The Memorial Auditorium.
Let's drink it up, this one's for you, it's been a lovely cruise...
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to a Memorial which has been established.
To send flowers to the family of Chad, please visit our floral store.