Robert E. Chandler III

Robert E. Chandler III, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and great grandfather extraordinaire, entered this world on Valentines Day, 1923, and left it on Independence Day, 2013 at the age of 90. Born in Mexia, Texas to Robert Emmett Chandler II and wife Opal Inzer Chandler, Bob spent most of his childhood in Oklahoma City, and graduated from Classen High School. He enlisted in the US Naval ROTC in June of 1940, and attended the University of Oklahoma, studying petroleum engineering until entering into active duty on July 1, 1943. In December, 1943, Bob sailed on the Destroyer, the USS Warren G Harding. His ship served as support for the Army personnel for D-Day at Normandy, and later in the Mediterranean and Asiatic-Pacific Theatres, where his cabin on the destroyer was hit by a Kamikaze. As an Ensign-Lieutenant, JG, Bob received an American Theatre Ribbon, American Defense Ribbon, World War II Victory Ribbon, two stars from the European-African-Middle East Theatre, and an Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Ribbon.Bob was honorably discharged from active duty in May, 1946. He finished his petroleum engineering degree at OU and married the woman of his dreams, Julia Chester Chandler, in March, 1950. Bob and Julia lived in Oklahoma City, where Bob ran a core analysis laboratory. After quickly producing three amazing offspring, and with a fourth one on the way, Bob and Julia moved their family to Midland, Texas, in March, 1957. Bob continued his career in petroleum engineering in Midland with Magnolia Oil and later Oil Recovery Corporation until re-routing his career in the direction of an independent oil and gas producer in the late 1960s. He never retired, and never grew tired of giving investment advice and encouragement to family and friends. He was known by all for his quick wit and ability to find absurdity in the most mundane of circumstances. And Julia was always the Gracie Allen to his George Burns.Over the years, Bob and Julia have enjoyed spending family vacations at their summer home in Telluride, Colorado, frequent long stays at their house in Ruidoso, and multiple cruises and tours in the US and other countries. They travelled with old and new friends, and, during the last 10 years, were able to take several cruises with their grown children and their spouses, who are all still amazing. Bob and Julia have always been sage and patient parents, grandparents, and great grandparents. Bob was preceded in death by his second son, David Chandler, and is survived by Julia Chandler, his wife of 63 years, daughters Laura McCabe and husband Ed, of Midland and Cynthia Shute and husband Jim of Lubbock, a son, Robert Emmett Chandler IV of Austin, five devoted grandchildren, Meredith Brazell and husband Anthony, Laura Shute, Nic Shute, and Nolan Walker, four great-grandsons, six nieces, and four nephews.The family wishes to express gratitude for the unfailing attentive care of the staff of Younger Center, the caregivers of HospiceMidland, and Susan Frederickson of the Area Agency on Aging Alzheimers Caregiver Support Group.Arrangments are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory. Online Condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.,