Lonnie Leo Chandler

Lonnie Leo Chandler of Steelville, Missouri passed away Sunday, March 3, 2019 in his home at the age of 71 years, 8 months and 21 days. He was born June 12, 1947 at Huzzah, Missouri to Clara Eleanor Richards Starks. Lonnie was raised by his grandparents, Purl and Ella Richards. On May 14, 1966 in Steelville, he was united in marriage to Judy Bobbitt and to this union three children were born.

As a young man, Lonnie was baptized for his Christian faith. Lonnie served his country honorably in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1967 serving in Korea as a dog trainer on site and later was deployed to Vietnam. He was employed for several years in St. Louis as a truck driver and delivery for Budweiser and Stag and also a builder/carpenter for McBride and Son. He later was self-employed owning a siding company for over thirty years. He was a member of the Steelville Country Club, VFW in Cuba and a life-time member of the NRA. He enjoyed working with his cattle, fishing, hunting and playing music. Lonnie could play several instruments and was a member of the band, "Country Squires." He enjoyed the time he spent with his family and friends and especially his great-granddaughter, Derricka.

Lonnie will be sadly missed by his wife of almost fifty-three years, Judy Chandler; one son, Tony Chandler of Steelville, MO; one daughter, Shawna Prope and husband Chris of Lehigh Acres, FL; two brothers, Michael Starks and wife Debbie and Sam Starks all of Cuba, MO; step-sister, Cindy Hammock of Steelville, MO; brother-in-law, Bill Anderson and wife Kathy of Steelville, MO; sister-in-law, Diane Barton and husband Bill of Salem, MO; three grandchildren, Lonnie Chandler II of Sullivan, MO, Johnna Prope LeBelle of FL and Katelyn Chandler of Steelville, MO; two great-grandchildren, Derricka Chandler and Trent Schumway; special friend, David Nagel of Steelville, MO; nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Eleanor Starks and step-father, Earl Starks; one son, Lonnie Chandler; two sisters, Sharon K. Starks and infant sister; and sister-in-law, Faye and husband Utah Cassidy.

The Family received friends on Wednesday, March 6, 2019 from 4:00 to 8:00 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri.

A Celebration of Life Service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, 2019 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with Pastor Carl Callahan officiating and Mike Lowes sharing the obituary. Special music of "Spirit in the Sky", "Silver Wings" and "Get to Where I am Going" was played.

A Full Military Honors service by the U.S. Army, VFW Post 5608 St. James and Patriot Guard was held immediately following the service.

Honored to be named Honorary casket bearers were Jimmy Lewis, David Nagel, Joe Mabe and Mike Starks.

The Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, MO.

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