Russell E "Russ" Chandler

Born September 27, 1922 in Tilden to Charles andAnna (Rigdon)Chandler, he married the love of his life, Margie Schwartzkopf on October 30, 1948 in Marissa. She died January 24, 1971 in Peoria. Also preceding him in death are one son, Gary Chandler; one grandson, Jason Chandler; two brothers and one sister.

Surviving are one daughter, Cheryl Knaebel of Peoria and one nephew, Russell Laverne Miller of Coulterville.

He proudly served in the United States Coast Guard, serving as a Boatswain’s Mate First Class on the USS LST-70 in the Asiatic-Pacific theater carrying equipment and supplies to the beach landing sites for the United States Navy. While serving on the USS LST-70, he had participated in the occupation and defense of Cape Torinko, the Green Islands landing, the capture and occupation of Guam and the assault and occupation of both Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After returning to the United States, he was involved in the decommissioning of the USS LST-70 on April 1, 1946.

Russ had been a Certified Orthotist, owning R.E. Chandler Orthotic Lab in Peoria for many years.

He was a 62 year member of Hilton Masonic Lodge #1143 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, East Peoria.

Russ was self-taught and very educated in many things. He could make or fix just about anything. His passion though was spending time on a quiet lake fishing.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday, March 18, 2019 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. David Taylor will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:30 until 11 a.m. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin. Military honors will be provided by the United States Coast Guard and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758571, Topeka, Kansas, 66675 or to the Greater Peoria Honor Flight, P.O. Box 5072, Peoria, Illinois 61601-5072.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com