Frank Joseph Chandler

Funeral services for Mr. Frank Joseph Chandler will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, with Reverends Lavohn Bass, Donald Givens, and Mark Roberts officiating. Interment will follow in Mars Hill Cemetery, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.
Frank Joseph Chandler, 89, stepped into eternity before daybreak on October 11, 2025. He was welcomed with open arms by his mother, Ida Mae LeBaron Chandler; his father, Edward R. Chandler; his sons, Darrell Lynn Chandler and Jimmy Layne Chandler; his brother, Edward Chandler, Jr.; his sister, Brenda Lee Crayon; his second wife, Pat; and his stepmother, Mae Lewis Chandler.
Frank was born on August 13, 1936, in the community of Mars Hill, Louisiana, where he lived until the age of six. His family then moved to Montgomery, LA, which would become the setting for much of his life's story. At 18, he met and married Johnnie Belle Williams, and together they made a home in Montgomery. Over 28 years of marriage, they raised three children: Darrell, Kathy, and Jimmy.
A devoted member of Montgomery United Pentecostal Church, Frank served for many years as the song leader. He loved to sing and play the guitar, often filling his home and church with music and praise. Faith and family were the center of his world.
Frank was a man of many talents, carpenter, plumber, electrician, appliance repairman, and farmer. Around town, he was affectionately known as "Frankie Joe," the man who could fix almost anything. He was the kind of neighbor everyone hopes for: reliable, generous, and always willing to lend a hand.
After the heartbreaking loss of his oldest son, Darrell, in 1984, Frank found love again and married Sarah Patricia "Pat" Blackwell. They spent 30 years together and built a home in Mars Hill. After her passing, Frank stayed busy tinkering with appliances and keeping up his property, always happiest when his hands were working.
In his later years, as his health declined, Frank moved in with his daughter, where he found joy in company of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Their laughter brought him peace, and he could often be found smiling as they played nearby. He enjoyed quiet mornings on the back deck watching birds and squirrels, and afternoons on the front porch watching the traffic roll by. Gospel music was a constant comfort, and he never missed a chance to sing along in worship.
Frank lived a long, meaningful life full of love, faith, hard work, and song. His passing leaves a deep void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his daughter, Kathy Kupperschmid (Robert); his stepson, Wylie Blackwell; his half-sister, Eddie Mae Weatherford; five grandchildren, Devin Jackson (Rebecca), Ariel Hooker (Andrew), Haley Hennings (Nick), Eric Kupperschmid (Diana), and Justin Kupperschmid (Jennifer). He was blessed with nine great-grandchildren: Remy and Mara Hooker, Roxy and Cid Jackson, Ingrid Hennings, Abigayle Walters, Brenden Fox, Madison Kupperschmid, and Tyler Brandt.
He will be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and dear friends.
Frank will be laid to rest in Mars Hill Cemetery, just across the road from his beloved home. Though Mars Hill was his favorite place on earth, he always said his deepest desire was to spend eternity in heaven. I know he was overjoyed to hear Jesus say, "Welcome Home."
A time of visitation will be held at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Visitation will resume in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until time of service.
Friends may post online messages of condolences for the Chandler family by visiting www.rushfh.com