Jeffrey Graham Chandler

Jeffrey Graham Chandler, age 69, of Mustoe, was called home and healed by his Heavenly Father and his Savior the Lord Jesus Christ, surrounded by his family at his home on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.

He was born June 23, 1956 in Manning, Iowa to Carolyn Ann (Graham) Chandler and the late Clifford Cogswell Chandler. He was raised in Colorado and graduated from Limon High School where he competed in football, baseball, and wrestling. After graduation, he completed training with the Colorado Contractors Association and continued to be active in sports by playing on the farm teams for the Denver Broncos and the Denver Bears. He also competed successfully in amateur rodeos with bull riding, bronco busting, and barrel racing. In addition, he raced motorcycles and cars in bracket racing. He also enjoyed rebuilding classic automobiles, including a 1947 Ford pickup. He was a long-haul truck driver for many years, but had previously gained experience working in the furniture industry, on the railroad as a brakeman, in the oil field, and as a welder.

After an industrial accident, Jeff was the primary caregiver and wonderful father to his daughters, always attending school events, functions, and field trips. He loved volunteering his time and talents whenever he could as an assistant coach, and being active in the Civil Air Patrol. Shortly after moving to Highland County, Jeff joined the Bolar Ruritan Club and greatly enjoyed all the events and being of service to his community. He immediately felt at home here with the friendly neighbors, the abundance of animals to care for, and the gorgeous surroundings.

He understood God’s love for each one of us and felt His hands upon him throughout life’s challenges. It gave him peace and tranquility. His calm demeanor and ability to laugh at life will be greatly missed. He wanted to be remembered as being kind to everyone and being a family man. Above all, Jeff lived, laughed, and loved endlessly.

In addition to his mother of Mesa, AZ, Jeff is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Valerie Ann (Wright) Chandler of Mustoe; daughters, Vanessa and Elizabeth; as well as Vanessa’s family; sisters, Beth of Westminster, CO, Amy (Dennis) of Ogallala, NE, and Sue of Mesa, AZ; aunts, Joan of Laurel, MT and MaiKit (Daniel) of Raleigh, NC; many nieces and nephews; as well as a host of treasured friends.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, William “Doc” and Mae Chandler; maternal grandparents, Roscoe and Olive Graham; uncles, Bill and Clint; aunts, Nina and Grace; and many dear friends.

His family will commemorate his life privately.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bolar Ruritan Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 184, Warm Springs, VA 24484; Green Hill United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 456, Monterey, VA 24465; Starr Chapel Community Church, c/o Betty Hicklin, P.O. Box 925, Hot Springs, VA 24445; Highland County Humane Society, P.O. Box 458, Monterey, VA 24465.