Earl Chandler

Earl D. Chandler

Age 72 of Wilmington, passed away October 12, 2009 at his home.

Born December 14, 1936 in DuQuoin, Illinois, he was a son Howard and Elizabeth Leslie-Chandler. Earl was married for 55 years to Shirley Jones-Chandler. He was a longtime member of IAM (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) Local 851 and retired in 1987 after 32 years with Caterpillar Tractor Company. Earl owned and operated, with his son, Chandler Auto for 12 years. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce in Wilmington and portrayed Santa Clause during the Holidays and numerous parades. Earl was affiliated with the Island City Baptist Church, the Lions Club and enjoyed woodworking especially making clocks.

Survivors include his wife Shirley; three children: Bev (Don) Beasley of Custer Park, John of Wilmington, and Shelly (Travis) Parsley of Ritchie; six grandchildren: Courtney Gerovac, Matt and Chris Chandler, Jeff (Tina) Ritter, Brian (Angela) Beasley and Alicia (Todd) Tyler; eight great-grandchildren: Kylie Gerovac, Easton Chandler, Ethan Ritter, Karlie Chandler, Lillian Tyler, Markie Chandler, Madison Keenan and Landon Beasley; three sisters: June (Merle) Wilcoxer of Marseilles, Helen (Jack) Plique of Port Orchard Wisconsin, Mary Malley of Beecher and one brother: Roy (Pat) Chandler of Wedron, Illinois; two sisters-in-law: Eunice (A.R.) Terry of Ellington, Missouri and Carolyn Jones of Omaha Nebraska as well as and numerous nieces and nephews.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents; great-granddaughter: Mandy Chandler and mother-in-law: Florence Jones.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 14th between the hours of 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm and Thursday October 15th from 9:00 am until time of service, 10:00 am at Reeves Funeral Home, 219 North Joliet Street (two blocks North of Illinois Route 53 / Baltimore Street) in Wilmington. Pastor Ronald Taylor from Island City Baptist Church will officiate and burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery Sunset Addition in Wilmington.

Preferred memorials in lieu of flowers may be made as gifts in Earl's memory to Joliet Area Community Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, Illinois 60431.

Friends may sign the online guest book by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction of Reeves Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815/476-7621)