June 1, 1986 – November 1, 2022
It was to the complete and wonderful surprise of Allen and Lorie Chaudion that Wesley Allen Chaudion made his way into the world on June 1, 1986. He was an active child and enjoyed many activities, most especially his love of racing. He became known for his skill on the racing track and had pursued it with gusto. When not racing with his father, Wes could be found running around getting into mischief with his cousin P.J. Wes loved to go fishing with his Grandpa Bob and he loved having long conversations with his Grandpa Charlie.
Never one to just sit around, Wes was known for taking long drives with his family where he made them play the game he made up … Two for Two. Life was an adventure to be enjoyed while driving to an unknown destination.
In school he was known for his skill on the football field. With his broad shoulders and imposing presence, he was a force to be reckoned with. His physical appearance made others intimidated, but everyone knew he was a big softy who tried to come off as a bad butt.
Wes loved to spend holiday gatherings competing with family (especially P.J.) in a family basketball game, and always tried to outdo them with jokes.
After high school, Wes attended IUK for a while but found life was calling him to investigate it. During his exploration, Wes took a shine to a pretty little blonde and could not get her out of his mind. After much convincing, Wes was able to talk Nikki into going out with him and so began their story.
They began going on road trips and after four years of dating, Wes planned the ultimate road trip. It was then that he asked Nikki to spend their lives together. They were married on October 27, 2012. Although never blessed with children of their own, they had Nikki’s mom and little sister to keep them busy and worried (some might say that was equal to having kids). It was during this time of their life that Wes discovered he loved Gatlinburg and Disney World and would plan elaborate family vacations to share that love. There were many memorable family adventures to both places.
Wes was a master mechanic and was really good at planning house renovation projects that he roped his cousin P.J. into doing and helping him with. Wes would always say P.J. was the closest thing he ever had to a brother. They would argue, but in any situation, they would be there for each other.
Wes was preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Lorie (Baker) Chaudion; his grandfather, Bob Baker; his grandmother, Sherri; his uncle, David Baker; and his loving grandmother, Jane.
He is survived by his loving wife, Nikki; his grandparents, Charlie and Sheila Chaudion; his uncle, Paul Baker; his aunts, Rhonda Coffey (Jim) and Annette Harlow (Doug); as well as several cousins.
Wes’s life will be celebrated on Monday, November 7, 2022, at Hartley Funeral Home Cicero Chapel, 209 W. Jackson St., Cicero, with visitation from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Graveside services will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery near Arcadia. All are welcome to come and share stories of their encounters with Wes and share the joy of a life well lived but taken too soon by cancer.
Condolences: hartleyfuneralhomes.com