Charles F. Chandler, 83, of Richland WA passed from this life to his heavenly home on Tuesday, August 15, 2017. 

We celebrate his life well-lived and the example he set before us. He was a man of great character and integrity. Charles was a family man and was well respected throughout Richland by all who were blessed to know him. 

Charles (Chuck or Charlie to those who knew him well) was born January 2, 1934, in Knoxville (Knox County) Tennessee to Walter O. and Bernice (Davis) Chandler and had one older sister, Josephine, all of whom preceded him in death.

He grew up in Knoxville, TN and served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.

He graduated from the University of Tennessee where he was a proud member of the Tennessee Alpha Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. It was during his time at UT that Charles met the love of his life, Sandra Davis Griffin. They were married August 29, 1958.

Charles was transferred from Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to Richland where he served as a Labor Relations Specialist for the Atomic Energy Commission, and proudly worked for the Department of Energy until his retirement in 1996.

All five children his children graduated from Richland High School.

Charles and Sandra have five children: Susan (Barrie) Steele of Moscow, ID; Chuck (Susan) Chandler of Ellicott City, MD; Bev (Leon) Turner of Taneyville, MO; Joan (John) Toptine of Hillsborough, NC and Rick (Stephanie) Chandler of Richland, WA. They also have 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. 

He was a devoted member of the community, volunteering for various roles over the years, including: Bomber Boosters, President of the PTA, and was a gracious recipient of the Golden Acorn Award for his contributions to the Richland Public School District.

His faith led him to Central Church (Central United Protestant) of Richland, where he served on the Staff-Parish Relations Commission and found great joy as he served as a Life Group Leader for many years.

Charles had a passion for, and was fascinated with God’s magnificent creation.

He was known to stop his car at any time to take a picture of the beauty surrounding him, particularly his upward views towards the heavens.

He had a deep and appreciation for music of all kinds. He had an affinity for traditional big-band, swing, and jazz.

Graveside Celebration of Life Service will be 2:00pm on Sunday, August 20, 2017 at Sunset Gardens, 915 ByPass Hwy in Richland, WA.

The family wants to express our deepest gratitude to the Physicians and caring ICU nursing staff at Kadlec Hospital, whose compassion and care allowed us to enjoy Papa until he peacefully passed into glory.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make donations to Central Church’s Music Ministry or to the charity of your choice.