Gerald R. Chandler (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Gerald Raeburn Chandler, son of Charles “Ben” and Loreta McMenus Chandler, was born February 19, 1924, near Phillipsburg, Missouri. He departed this life Thursday, October 21, 2010, in Woodland Manor, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of eighty-six years, eight months, and two days.
In May of 1947, he was united in marriage to Bonnie Marie Burns, and to this union two daughters were born.
On February 4, 1969, he married Neva Ann Riddle Brooks, and they shared the last forty-one years.
His parents preceded him in death.
Gerald is survived by his wife, Neva, of Springfield, Missouri; two daughters, Patti Doing, of Phillipsburg, Missouri, and Becky Hicks, and her husband, Danny, of Springfield, Missouri; a step-daughter, Kathy Ambro, and her husband, Dave, of Troy, Missouri; two step-sons, Frank Brooks, and his wife, Angela, of the State of Maryland, and Jim Brooks, and his wife, Angela, of Springfield, Missouri; nine grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was born and raised in the Phillipsburg area, and graduated from Phillipsburg High School. He served his country faithfully in the United States Army during World War II, and took part in the European Theatre. During his time in the Army, he was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon with two bronze stars, and the American Theatre Ribbon. After being honorably discharged from the military on April 1, 1946, he returned to Missouri and began working as a carpenter, building homes in Lebanon with his father. He then moved to Springfield where he continued to work in the construction field. Once he and Neva were married, they made their home in Springfield and lovingly raised their family. Later, Gerald worked as the maintenance manager for Jenny Lind Apartments.
Gerald had made his profession of faith in Christ and was a member of Phillipsburg Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
In his spare time he enjoyed being outdoors where his favorite activity was fishing. He liked watching and feeding the birds and squirrels and also enjoyed doing word puzzles and playing solitaire. He was a fan of the St. Louis and Springfield Cardinals Baseball teams. His family was very important to him and he especially enjoyed all of his grandchildren.
Gerald was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and know that his family and friends will treasure the memories he made for them throughout the years.
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