Gary Lawrence Chandler of Houston, TX, passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2023, while in the compassionate care of hospice, following a lengthy illness. He was 78. Born on July 28, 1945, in Galion, OH, he grew up in Rockledge, FL, graduating from Cocoa High School, FL, in 1963. He attended Loyola University in New Orleans where he met his future wife, Kathryn Marie Green, graduated from Florida State University in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science in History, and then earned a Master of Science in Planning. Gary and Kathy were married June 10, 1967, in Kathy's hometown of Rockdale, TX. Gary proudly served in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps that included a Vietnam War tour in 1971, stationed in Quảng Trị at the 18th Surgical Hospital and 91st Evacuation Hospital.

His professional career was centered in healthcare administration, which resulted in jobs in Denver, CO, and Asheville, NC, before settling down in Austin, TX, in 1976, where most of Kathy's family lived. There he worked for Brackenridge and Seton Hospitals, followed by a number of years with the Austin Diagnostic Clinic. In 1995 Gary and Kathy relocated to Houston where he worked for Paracelsus Healthcare Corporation, followed by HCA (Healthcare Corporation of America) until his retirement in 2015.

Gary was an avid history enthusiast with a specific passion for the Civil War. He was active in the Houston Civil War Roundtable, traveled extensively to tour historical sites, and was proud of his Union Army heritage. He loved cheering on his Houston Astros, Houston Texans, FSU Seminoles, and Texas Longhorns. He enjoyed music of all kinds, including folk and bluegrass, and spending time with his family, especially his four grandsons. He was a supportive father and grandfather, attending decades of baseball and soccer games, and music and theatre performances.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Kathryn Green Chandler; daughter Beth Chandler Cahill (Jim) of Harrisonburg, VA; son Brian Chandler (Susan) of Morgan's Point Resort, TX; sister Mary Ann Balthaser (Howard) of Rockledge, FL; four grandsons, Aidan and Colin Cahill of Harrisonburg, VA, and Patrick and Owen Chandler of Morgan's Point Resort, TX; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Clement and Mary Lou Chandler of Rockledge, FL.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 8, 2024, at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church (7810 Cypresswood Drive) in Spring, TX, from 10:00-10:30 am, followed by the Rosary at 10:30, and Funeral Mass at 11:00 am. Burial will be at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Gary may be made to Heart to Heart Hospice Foundation , the American Battlefield Trust , or a charity of your choice.

CLICK HERE FOR LIVESTREAMED SERVICES