Charles Chandler was born in Evansville, Indiana to Harry E (Sr) and Theresa A (Fromm) Chandler.

He graduated from Reitz high school in Evansville and entered the US Navy in 1943. He served as a hospital corpsman in Florida until attached to the US Marines. He attended a Field Medical Service School at Camp Lejeune, NC, and then was assigned to the 5th Marine Division where he participated in the battle for Iwo Jima in February, 1945, serving as a surgeon's assistant with the 5th Medical Battalion at the division's hospital near the former Japanese airbase #1. He celebrated his 20th birthday on Iwo, albeit without fanfare. After Japan surrendered, his division was sent to the island of Kyushu to perform occupation duty. He was discharged in April 1946 as a Pharmacist Mate 3rd Class.

On July 3, 1946 he married a classmate from Reitz high school, Virginia Ann Hood. He began his education at Evansville College, and continued at the University of Oregon where he graduated in 1950. He then taught at the Mapleton, OR high school for two years. Returning to the Willamette Valley, he taught at the Scio Middle School for one year when the family selected Lebanon as their new home. Here he taught for 33 years covering several subjects, but his interest was mainly in Oregon history. He also served as a coach, trainer, and enjoyed being the drama coach. As an educator he served on several state curriculum boards to rewrite state standards for Mental Health. He continued his post-graduate education to become a master teacher at the University of Oregon, Oregon State University, Oregon College of Education (Western Oregon University), and Linn Benton Community College. While teaching he wrote a supplemental book for the school district named "The Call West", and was named as one of several teachers chosen by Linn County as Outstanding Educators in 1987. He retired that year. He truly was a dedicated, professional teacher always striving to ensure his students received a good education.

While in Lebanon, he served several years as President of the Library Board, and was a member of the Historic Committee. He also was a member of the Willamette Lung Association for several years. He also served for over 30 years on the Lebanon Methodist Church board, and was a Lay Speaker, and helped teach that skill to others. He was a well-known soloist for the church and the community as a whole.

While at Evansville College, he pledged Phi Zeta Phi chapter of Sigma Chi and the Alpha Chi Omega National Scouting fraternity. His life memberships included: the 5th Marine Division Association, the Marine Corps League, Combat Medical Association, Lebanon Elks, and American Legion Post 51. He became a member of the Tangent Planning Committee after a move from Lebanon to Tangent in 1989.

An only brother, Harry Chandler, Jr died before him as well as his parents. Survivors are his wife of over 68 years, Sons Eric K of Lakewood, WA, Tom of Lebanon, Bob of Albany, and daughter Carol Murray of Lebanon, with the addition of nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

At his request, there will be no formal services, but for those who wish to give a memorial he would have appreciated those be directed to medical scholarships such as the Dr Frank Girod Scholarship at the Lebanon Hospital.

AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home is handling the arrangements ( www.aasum-dufour.com ).