Posted: Wed, 19 May 2010 11:33 AM - 8,720 Readers

By: Claudia Grisales

The body of DPS trooper Wesley Chenault, who had been missing since Monday evening, was found this morning in Lake Travis.

Chenault, 50, of Spicewood was reported missing Monday evening after he told his wife he was taking his boat out to check on his fishing trotlines, DPS officials have said. Chenault, who had been assigned to the Capitol since 1986, went out on the lake shortly before storms moved in, they said.

His body was found at 7:11 a.m. today in very shallow water in Lake Travis near Alligator Creek, said Capt. Kevin Davis of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

DPS officials said he was found in a cove near his home by a member of the DPS dive team. The search for Chenault also included members of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens and the Lower Colorado River Authority.

Burnet County Sheriff W.T. Smith, who, like Chenault, went to Spicewood Baptist Church, said his friend was “a really neat guy.”

“He was a family man. He was witty. He like to crack jokes and kid with people,” Smith said.

The sheriff applauded the efforts of the recovery team. “They worked tirelessly,” Smith said.

He said the American Red Cross met with Chenault’s wife and family Tuesday and that funeral services were being planned.