Thomas A. Chandler, 78 of Dixon passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at Cypress Grove in Newburgh, IN under the care of Heart to Heart Hospice with his devoted son Tim at his side.

Born in Oakland, CA to Huston and Connie (Smith) Chandler, he eventually met the love of his life Alice Hartland on one of his travels to Weaverville, CA. Soon after marriage Tom joined the navy and was proud of being a Seabee like his dad was before him.  He was sent to Vietnam where his skills as a certified driver were put to good use building bridges.  After a few months he was reassigned to Antarctica where his many skills were again put to much use.  He never really talked much about his time in the service.  It was a time in his life he wanted to forget.  After receiving an Honorable Discharge, he and Alice began to build their life together in Dixon, KY joined by their son Tommy and soon followed Timmy and several years later Jamie.  Tom had several jobs after the Navy as a diesel mechanic first at Wayne supply, then finishing up his work years at Dotiki Mines where he retired.

He lived a good life full of adventure traveling, hunting, and fishing.  He was never one to sit still for very long and took many trips on his motorcycle traveling the United States and Canada or hopping in his truck to head out West to Colorado Elk hunting.

Tom is survived by his wife Alice; his three sons Tommy Chandler (Estelle) of Sarasota, FL, Timmy Chandler (Shelly) of Dixon, Jamie Chandler (Daphne) of Thornton, CO; two grandchildren Chelsea Brister (Matt) of Slaughters, Blake Beaver (Hanna) of Bell Buckle, TN; three great-grandchildren Aaliyah, Braxton and Madilynn Brister of Slaughters; two brothers Rudy Kretschmer (Roma) and Huston Chandler of Dover, TN; many nieces and nephews including his favorite nephew Tony Hartland, who he went with on several hunting trips.  He had many friends including his hunting buddy Randy Hatlee and last but not least his beloved cat Ginger who has been adopted by Uncle Huey to spend her remaining years being loved on by close family.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Vanover Funeral Home in Clay with Blake Beaver officiating.  Burial will be in Chandler Cemetery outside of Dixon.  There will be Military Rites at the gravesite.  Visitation will be Wednesday 8:00 AM till service time at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Anthony's Hospice, 2410 South Green Street, Henderson, KY 42420