Jesse Ray Chandler, beloved husband, grandfather and great grandfather from Walsh, Illinois passed away at 10:40 pm, Saturday, October 29, 2022 at Three Springs Lodge Nursing Home, Chester, Illinois. He was 95 years old.
He was born to the late James “J. M.” and Evie (nee Turner) Chandler on February 22, 1927 in Bixby, Missouri.
Jesse married Ruby Turner on November 17, 1947 in Warrenton, Missouri; she survives. Jesse and Ruby were married for 75 years. She survives in Walsh.
He is also survived by six children: Jack Chandler of Gallatin, Tenn., David Chandler (Kay Aston) of Brewer, Mo., Judy McCormick of Marble Hill, Mo., Barbara Chandler of Peveley, Mo., Patsy Cross of Steeleville, Ill. and James (Joni) Chandler of Prairie du Rocher, Ill.; a daughter-in-law: Joann Chandler of Ellis Grove, Ill.; 16 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren; and eight great-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by: parents, a son: Roger Chandler, a grandson: Michael Schicker, four sisters and five brothers.
He spent many years working in the lumber industry and that developed into his love of building things. There were not many things that he couldn’t repair. He also owned his own saw mill.
If Jesse wasn’t working in his wood shop, he could usually be found watching western movies. Jesse’s biggest love, besides Ruby, was his love for music. He was known for his fiddle playing and making his own fiddles. Jesse and Ruby used to travel around to Bluegrass festivals camping, playing music and making many friends. Once the camping years were over, you could still find Jesse and his friends weekly playing music in his garage.
He was a U.S. Army veteran.
Visitation will be noon to 2 p.m. at the Pechacek Funeral Home in Chester, Illinois.
A funeral for Jesse Ray Chandler will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, November 4, 2022 at the Pechacek Funeral Home in Chester, Illinois. The Rev. Fred Pringle will officiate.
Interment will be in the New Palestine Cemetery on Walsh, Illinois