C.W. "Charlie" Chandler

C.W. "Charlie" Chandler

Abilene, TX

C.W. "Charlie" Chandler, 81, of Abilene, passed away, Saturday, October 3, 2015, after a long illness from Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. A service, with military honors, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 8, 2015, at Belmont Baptist Church, 2117 Palm Street, with burial to follow at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy 277 South. A visitation with the family will be held Wednesday evening, October 7, 2015, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Charlie was born August 22, 1934 in Pelzer, South Carolina, to Bertha and Clinton Chandler.

His proud service to his country began with his enlistment in the United States Air Force in April 1953. Upon completing his first overseas assignment in Japan, he returned to South Carolina and married the love of his life, Janie Lucille Emory, on October 15, 1955.

His military career spanned over 31 years, at locations across the US and overseas. He reached the Air Force's highest enlisted rank, Chief Master Sergeant, and wore those stripes proudly! His assignments included Wing Senior Enlisted Advisor at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, to his final military assignment at Dyess AFB as Wing Aircraft Maintenance Manager, C-130 aircraft. During his Air Force career, he earned two associate degrees. He honorably retired from the United States Air Force in April of 1984.

His most cherished time of service was his appointment as Deacon at Belmont Baptist Church. He served faithfully and tirelessly. Charlie was the church handyman and was known to be able to fix almost anything. He served there until he could no longer carry the hammer he used so often.

Charlie is survived by Janie, his loving wife of over 59 years, who has always been by his side, through all military assignments, to comforting him through his last days battling the diseases. Charlie, "Dad", leaves his two adoring children, Kathryn Dominguez, and Charles "Butch" Chandler, to carry on his passion of gardening and all-around fix-it repair. And, Charlie, "Papa", who has brought laughter and joy to his 4 grandchildren, Kelly Dominguez, Christopher Chandler, Jennifer Gibson, and Monica Dominguez, and to his 2 great-grandsons, Jackson and Jevin Gibson, will always be a loving memory in their hearts.

He is also survived by his sister, Annie-Barbara Newman, Gulfport, MS, and numerous sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws in South Carolina.

The family has asked in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation.

The family also wishes to thank the staff of Mesa Springs Healthcare Center - Nursing Home, for the compassion, love and care given to my husband, our Dad and Papa.

You may view and sign the guestbook at www.elliott-hamil.com