Obituary of Charles Chandler

Charles W. "Tink" Chandler was born on April 25, 1925 in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, and he passed away August 13, 2011 in Columbia, SC. He was the first son of Charles W. Chandler and Helen Beckwith Chandler and was predeceased by his three sisters and one brother. Mr. Chandler was a Battle of the Bulge veteran, proudly serving in the U.S. Army, 190th Field Artillery Division as a forward observer throughout World War II. He landed on Normandy, battled through Europe and was one of the liberators of Buchenwald. He received five campaign Battle Stars among other medals and numerous citations and decorations. He was a member of the South Carolina Chapter Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge Association and he was a Mason. One of the most gratifying trips of his life was to The World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. on the Honor Flight of May, 2009. He was presented with a hat to mark the occasion and he wore it everywhere with great pride. This nation remains free and prosperous because of the service and sacrifices of our veterans. After the war he returned home and worked as a correctional officer for the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections at Rockview. He retired to Columbia, South Carolina in 1978 where he worked and retired from Richland School District Two. Mr. Chandler was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church where he served on the board of trustees and sang in the choir for over 30 years. He was a member of the JOY Sunday School Class. Mr. Chandler was a Christian man who will be remembered for his selfless devotion and service to his fellowman. He is survived by his wife, Beverly, of 65 years and one daughter, Pamela Chandler Cohen, son-in-law Dennis Cohen, four grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held at Bethel United Methodist Church, 4600 Daniel Drive, Forest Acres on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church, Music Fund, 4600 Daniel Drive, Columbia, SC 29206 or Honor Flight South Carolina P.O. Box 292421, Columbia, SC 29229. The family deeply appreciates the care and support of Dr. Bradley Word and Dr. Rudolph Wise.