In Loving Memory of Gene Chandler
Over the past three years, events and news items from the Prior and Vanzant communities have been provided by correspondent Gene Chandler. Last month, following a sudden illness, Gene, age 72, passed away.
Born July 21, 1937, Gene was raised in the Hartville and Mountain Grove communities. He attended Mountain Grove High School, and was a member of the class of 1956.
Joining the United States Army in 1957, Gene served his country for 26 years, retiring in 1983.
Upon his retirement from the Army, Gene came back to the Ozarks where he settled down near Mountain Grove. Together with his wife Shirley, they share seven children.
A loving and caring father, grandfather, brother, friend and neighbor. Gene looked forward to spending time with family, friends, and best friend and wife, Shirley. He was blessed with twenty-four great-grandchildren, and twenty-six grandchildren.
He also enjoyed his dog, Lucky.
Gene was a faithful Christian and devoted member of the Prior Freewill Baptist Church.
