Darrell Benjamin Chandler

Darrell Benjamin Chandler, 85, passed away on May 4,2024 at home, surrounded by loved ones, after a strong fight with cancer.

Darrell was born on December 10, 1938 in Los Angeles County, CA. He was raised by his grandmother and his Aunt Kate. After Darrell graduated from Terrell High School in 1957, he went on to study geography at North Texas State College, where he was a member of the ROTC.

After graduating in 1961 with his Bachelor of Arts in Geography, he entered the U.S. Air Force and flew C-130s in the Vietnam War. Darrell proudly served his country from 1961-1967, which kickstarted his impressive 30-year career as a 727 Captain with American Airlines.

In January of 1985, Darrell married Linda Groninger in Greenfield, IN. Darrell and Linda joined together two wonderful families that included D. Ben Chandler Jr., Vicky (Chandler) Karner, Kate (Chandler) Perez, Shaun Groninger and Shannon (Groninger) Falvey.

In 1998, Darrell retired and spent his time playing golf at Highland Woods Golf Course in Bonita Springs, FL, where he lived on the 6th hole.

As an avid golfer, he boasts an impressive record, with three holes-in-one, numerous occasions of shooting his age, multiple club championships, a victory in the member-guest tournament at Highland Woods Golf Course, and a notable second-place finish in the TPC Sawgrass member-guest tournament in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

Darrell is survived by his loving wife, Linda Chandler; his devoted children, Ben (Gloria), Vicky (Helmut), Kate (Alex), Shaun (Amy) and Shannon (Bob); his adoring grandchildren Evan (Oakley), Jake (Andrea), Luke (Kirby), Gracie, Lilly, Abbe, Sofia and Maya; his great-grandchildren, Quincey, Millie, Truett, Lincoln and Hallie; his brother, Donny (Dawn); and his many nieces and nephews.

He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his service to his country, his love of golf and all things Disney, and his fondness for afternoon naps while watching Fox News. Darrell’s kindness, warmth, and humor will be deeply missed by all who knew him.