Dr. Robert Paul Chandler passed away at his home in Broken Bow Monday, April 26th, 2010. He was born in Broken Bow on May 2, 1937. He was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Patricia Ann (Moseley) Chandler; his parents, Rex Arthur Chandler and Evelyn Mullins Chandler; and his brother, Dr. Harold Mullins Chandler. Dr. Chandler leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Sheri Chandler of the home; son Chris Chandler and fiancé Mary O’Connor of Oklahoma City; son Cliff Chandler of Springfield, Missouri; son Dr. Brent Chandler and wife Joshalyn Chandler of Mustang, Oklahoma; step-daughter Alexis Meggs and her husband Benjamin, of The Woodlands, Texas; step-son Charles H. Pierce, III, also of The Woodlands, Texas; grandchildren Cole & Trevor Chandler of Springfield, Missouri and Carsen & Zac Chandler of Mustang, Oklahoma; great aunt Mary Hewitt of Broken Bow; brothers Rex Chandler of Idabel and Granville Chandler of Holy Hollow; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of many cherished friends.
Paul. Chandler graduated from Broken Bow High School with honors in 1955. He attended the University of Oklahoma, where he pledged the Sigma Nu fraternity and served as an officer for Sigma Nu. He was present at OU during Bud Wilkinson’s still-record 47 game winning streak. This began Dr. Chandler’s love affair with he Oklahoma Sooner football team. He graduated from the Oklahoma University School of Pharmacy in 1959, and began his pharmacy practice in Broken Bow. In 1976, he returned to school at Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (OSU-COM). He graduated from OSU-COM in 1979 and returned to Broken Bow to practice medicine in 1980, where he established his practice in family medicine for the next 30 years.
Dr. Chandler was a fixture at McCurtain Memorial Hospital, where he was Chief of Medicine and also served on numerous boards. The love the hospital staff felt for Dr. Chandler and his dedication to the hospital and his patients led to his induction into the hospital’s Hall of Fame. Dr. Chandler was a life member of the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association. He served as a district president for the Southeastern district and on several bureaus. He was an Adjunct Clinical Professor for OSU-COM and director of the Rural Family Medical rotation.
Dr. Chandler served as a non-commissioned officer in the United States Army from 1960-64. He received an honorable discharge with the rank of sergeant.
Dr. Chandler tirelessly served his community throughout his life. He was President of the Broken Bow School Board, and served as a board member for twelve years; President of the Broken Bow Education Foundation; President of the Jaycees, where he honored as a Jaycee International Senator, the organization’s highest award. He served on the Broken Bow City Council and the Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce; member of the Broken Bow Lion’s club and Kiwanis club; was also a member of the Broken Bow Quarterback club and McCurtain County Soccer Association. Dr. Chandler served on and donated to many other civic and community organizations as well. Dr. Chandler highly valued education and his sons became a lawyer, a pharmacist, and a fellow Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Paul Chandler leaves behind a legacy of community service, good humor, love for humanity and his country, and healing. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the McCurtain County ARK or the Broken Bow Education Foundation.
Funeral service will be held 10 AM Thursday, April 29, 2010 at First Baptist Church, Broken Bow. Bro. Clark Wrather will officiate. Interment will follow at Broken Bow Cemetery.
Under the direction
Of
Brumley Funeral Home, Broken Bow
