Wayne Chandler

On Friday evening, May 10, 2024, Wayne C. Chandler went to be with the Lord.

Wayne was born June 6, 1935 on his grandparents farm near Colony, Kansas. He was the second of five children born to Roland and Julia (Powell) Chandler. He began school at Ozark country school near Kincaid and graduated from LaHarpe High School in the class of 1953. He began attending Iola Junior College until his father was killed, so he began helping to support his mother and younger sisters.

When drafted into the U.S. Army, Wayne was first stationed in Fort Hood, Texas, followed by service in Germany before safely returning home. He was very proud to be an American Veteran and loved to share stories of his time in the Army and his trip on the Honor Flight a few years ago.

On August 25, 1962, Wayne married Nancy Houk in Moran, Kansas. They were blessed with a daughter, Jenny.

He worked at various businesses throughout his life including Coca Cola Bottling, Pet Milk, Lehigh Cement, IGA, Moran Grocery, William Brothers Pipeline, LaFarge & Bud Construction, Marmaton Valley High School, Moran Lumber, Day Construction, and retired from Sigg Construction. Wayne enjoyed not being able to go anywhere without being recognized by a former co-worker and/or friend.

Wayne loved basketball and played slow pitch softball until he was in his 50s. He coached his sisters, and later his daughter and many other girls, which helped develop their love for the game of softball. He loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and gardening. He also loved playing cards with family and after retirement every Thursday afternoon at Moran Senior Center. However, nothing gave him greater joy than to watch his grandchildren in any activity in which they participated.

Wayne's relationship to God and family was closest to his heart. He served as a deacon, elder, and trustee at Moran Christian Church for many years and was an active member of the church until his death. He also enjoyed serving his community. He served as a trustee for Osage Township for many years and was currently serving on the board for the Moran Senior Center.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Nancy of 61 years; daughter, Jenny Spillman of Moran, grandchildren, Sarah Spillman of Manhattan and Jeff Spillman of Moran, sisters, Leona Werner of Chanute and Sharon (Larry) Utley of Iola, and sister-in-law, Ruth (David) Spangler of Moran and numerous other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Orville (Georgia) Chandler, sister, Linda (Ron) Call, nephews, David Chandler, Tracy May, and Jon Spangler, and nieces, Georgia "Sis" Chandler Graves and Michele Werner Jefferey, in-laws, Martin "Pete" Werner, Mary (Joe) Chalker, Marilyn (Bill) May, and Louella (Gene) Cochran.

A funeral service to honor the life of Wayne will be held Friday, May 17, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Moran Christian Church. Burial will follow at Fort Scott National Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Moran Christian Church and may be left with Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 U.S. 54, Iola, Kansas 66749. Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.