CHANDLER: Son of RL and Charlene Chandler, Rod was born in Silver City, NM on September 27, 1952. He and his sister, Cindy, grew up on “Chandler Hill” in Central, NM, in the house his parents built. It sat across the driveway from the home of his grandparents, Slim and Mae Chandler. Just down the hill was the little church built by Rod’s great-grandfather.
In 1972, Rod married Dixie Wetzel. They had three children, Rebecca, Jason and James, and lived in Silver City until 1981 when Rod was ordained and called to pastor the Rio Mimbres Baptist Church. He pastored there until 1994 when he began a new church, Grace Bible Fellowship, where he continued to minister until his death.
Rod had many jobs including wood cutter, mechanic, carpenter, chimney sweep, bus driver training and hunting guide. He was employed for over forty years with Life Quest in Silver City, NM. He began there as a bus driver and advanced through the years to administrative positions, including CEO and CFO.
In addition to preaching and teaching the Word of God, Rod’s other passions included history (his college degree was in Southwest History), music, and sports. His greatest delight was spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. Hunting, fishing and hiking were his favorite pastimes. He spent countless hours exploring and enjoying the Gila Wilderness.
Rod was an outstanding husband, father, grandfather and friend, loved and respected by all who knew him. God blessed Rod’s family through him. Countless others have been blessed through his scriptural sermons and faithful teaching of God’s Word.
Rod was preceded in death by his parents RL and Charlene Chandler. He is survived by his beloved wife, Dixie Chandler of Mule Creek, NM. Three children, Rebecca (Will), Jason (Jamee) of Las Cruces and James (Yakeima) of Show Low, AZ. Eight grandchildren, Malachi, Collin, Shaelyn McCleery; Kate and Josh Chandler, all of Las Cruces. Jordan, Tirzah and Ryder (RL) all of Show Low, AZ. Sister Cindy Maxwell (John Rogers) of Silver City, NM. Brother-in-law Jim Wetzel (Debra) of Buckhorn, NM. Special cousin Dudley Chandler (Debbie) of Midland, TX and an aunt, Annalou Chandler of Carlsbad, NM and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Saturday, December 4th from 10-11am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the funeral service to commence at 11am with Elder JD Oliver officiating. Concluding service and interment will follow a Memory Lane cemetery. Pallbearers are Jason and James Chandler, Will McCleery, Malachi McCleery, Collin McCleery, Jordan and Josh Chandler.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.
In 1972, Rod married Dixie Wetzel. They had three children, Rebecca, Jason and James, and lived in Silver City until 1981 when Rod was ordained and called to pastor the Rio Mimbres Baptist Church. He pastored there until 1994 when he began a new church, Grace Bible Fellowship, where he continued to minister until his death.
Rod had many jobs including wood cutter, mechanic, carpenter, chimney sweep, bus driver training and hunting guide. He was employed for over forty years with Life Quest in Silver City, NM. He began there as a bus driver and advanced through the years to administrative positions, including CEO and CFO.
In addition to preaching and teaching the Word of God, Rod’s other passions included history (his college degree was in Southwest History), music, and sports. His greatest delight was spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. Hunting, fishing and hiking were his favorite pastimes. He spent countless hours exploring and enjoying the Gila Wilderness.
Rod was an outstanding husband, father, grandfather and friend, loved and respected by all who knew him. God blessed Rod’s family through him. Countless others have been blessed through his scriptural sermons and faithful teaching of God’s Word.
Rod was preceded in death by his parents RL and Charlene Chandler. He is survived by his beloved wife, Dixie Chandler of Mule Creek, NM. Three children, Rebecca (Will), Jason (Jamee) of Las Cruces and James (Yakeima) of Show Low, AZ. Eight grandchildren, Malachi, Collin, Shaelyn McCleery; Kate and Josh Chandler, all of Las Cruces. Jordan, Tirzah and Ryder (RL) all of Show Low, AZ. Sister Cindy Maxwell (John Rogers) of Silver City, NM. Brother-in-law Jim Wetzel (Debra) of Buckhorn, NM. Special cousin Dudley Chandler (Debbie) of Midland, TX and an aunt, Annalou Chandler of Carlsbad, NM and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Saturday, December 4th from 10-11am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the funeral service to commence at 11am with Elder JD Oliver officiating. Concluding service and interment will follow a Memory Lane cemetery. Pallbearers are Jason and James Chandler, Will McCleery, Malachi McCleery, Collin McCleery, Jordan and Josh Chandler.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.
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