Paul Chandler Obituary

Paul Leslie Chandler, husband of Paula Chandler for over fifty-six years and father of three sons, David of Highland, California, Robert of Salem, Oregon, and Michael of Apple Valley, California, passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours of Saturday, October 14. He was four months shy of his 95th birthday. Though gradually weakened in physical strength, his mind was alert to the end and his grateful family was with him at his home when he passed.Paul is survived by daughters-in-law Sue Chandler, Andrea Chandler, and Lisa Chandler as well as his seven grandchildren Deborah (Justin), Jonathan, Colin, Antonia, Andrew, Daniel (Alexandra), and Stephen. Born February 23, 1929, Paul was the only child of Leslie O. and Eunice Nolan Chandler in Middletown, Missouri. Paul attended Middletown Grade School and graduated from Middletown High in 1947 as Valedictorian of his class. He then attended the University of Missouri at Columbia, Missouri, for two and a half years before volunteering for the army. Paul spent three years serving his country in the U.S. Army. The Korean War was full-scale at the time and Paul was stationed in the Far East Command, in Yokohama and Tokyo, Japan. Providence was at work then, for there while attending a dinner with friends he met his future wife, Paula Dell Wolf. Having graduated from UCLA, she chose to serve her country as a civilian and rose to the position of secretary to the Deputy Commanding General of the Far East Command, LTGEN Thomas Hickey. After their tenure of service, Paul and Paula stayed in touch, exchanging letters between California and Missouri. Paul proposed to Paula while visiting California with his family. They were married in Middletown on December 28, 1954. Their marriage and love for one another lasted fifty-six years. Paul completed his education at the University of Missouri, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Business and Public Administration in 1955. Paul was then hired to work at Fisher Body, a Division of General Motors, in Kansas City, Missouri, and the young couple moved to Independence. For nine years, he served the company as a clerk, foreman trainee, and finally as a labor relations representative. While living in Missouri, Paul and Paula were blessed with their three boys David Leslie, Robert Douglas, and Michael Frederick. In 1963, Paul moved his family to Highland, California, where he became a partner with father-in-law, Fred O. Wolf, and later president, of Baseline Laundry and Dry Cleaners in San Bernardino.During this season of life, Paul was Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 211 for thirteen years. He was also a charter member of the Rotary Club of San Bernardino East, later named the Rotary Club of San Bernardino-Highland, and then changed to the Rotary Club of Highland. Paul filled terms of President of the Rotary Club of San Bernardino East from 1984-1985 and again of Rotary Club San Bernardino-Highland from 2007-2008, and then as treasurer of the Rotary Club of Highland. Paul took up the hobby of ham radio and served as president of the Citrus Belt Amateur Radio Club from 1991-1994.Paul enjoyed the adventures of traveling with Paula in their fifth-wheel trailer for many years. He also enjoyed traveling on cruise lines at various times with Paula and with his three sons and their families, with trips to Mexico, Alaska, and the Panama Canal. Paul left us on what he said would be his "next great adventure" on October 14, 2023.Paul's remains will be cremated and interred at Riverside National Cemetery. A memorial service will be held Friday, October 27, at 2:00 PM at The Highland Congregational Church, located at 3606 Atlantic Ave. in Highland. All who knew and respected this wonderful man who loved life and family are welcome to attend. For further information, please contact the church at 909-862-4127.In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions in Paul's memory at the Highland Congregational Church.