William Chandler

William D. Chandler was born April 6, 1942 in Raton, New Mexico to George Orin and Melba Joyce Chandler.  He went to be with his Lord May 30, 2012 in Lancaster, California.  Newbury Park, California was home for him for all but the last five and a half years of his life.  Known as Bill or Chandler to his friends, he was also called David by his family and Billy David by his aunts and uncles.  Preceded in death by his father and younger brother, Wendell, David is survived by his mother, Melba Johnson, sister Carol Macy and brother in law Michael, sister Stephanie Riddle-Bird and brother in law Graham, brother Samuel Johnson and sister in law Angie, and brother Phillip Johnson and sister in law Tessie.  David also leaves behind 16 beloved nieces and nephews, 2 great nephews and treasured aunts and uncles, along with many dear friends.
David loved Jesus, his family and friends, and his country, and proved it over and over again.  Deciding he was meant to be a Marine as a child, he promptly joined the Corps. after graduating from A.V. High School and later served in the Reserves.  He remained a proud Marine throughout his life.   He went on to serve his country as an electronic engineer employed by the U.S. government in the area of defense at Point Mugu, in California.
A wonderful brother, loving son and faithful uncle and friend, David cared deeply for his loved ones and invested himself in their lives.  David had many hobbies and interests and delighted in sharing them with those he loved.  Among those interests were HAM radio, photography, history, genealogy  and opera.  Possessing a beautiful tenor voice, David often burst into one of his many favorite arias and enjoyed singing with his church choir  at Christ the King Lutheran in Newbury Park, California.
During the last five and a half years of his life, David still found life worth living despite the increasing challenges of dealing with M.S. and a serious head injury.  He found his joy in knowing God still had a purpose for his life, and in knowing that purpose was to glorify God in the midst of the difficulties.  Always ready with a cheerful greeting, David blessed all those who crossed his path, whether caregivers, family or friends.  The doctors, nurses and CNA's who attended to his needs with such love and compassion will always be remembered with gratitude and love by his local family.
The viewing will be held at Chapel of the Valley Mortuary, (1755 E. Ave. R, Palmdale, California) from 4:00 p.m. through 7:00 p.m. Monday, June 4, 2012.  A service in his honor will be held at Grace Chapel, (44648 N. 15th St. W., Lancaster, California), at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 5, 2012, with a graveside service with full military honors following at Joshua Memorial Park, also in Lancaster.
Service Information