Michael R. Chandler

Michael Ray Chandler, 80, entered into the presence of His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, July 10th, 2025.

Mike was born on April 30th, 1945, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of William Chandler and Ruth Holmes Chandler. In 1960, he moved with his family to the Denver, CO area, where he was a member of the men’s gymnastics team and the Latin Club at Wheat Ridge High School. It was there that he met his future wife Judy (Clements) in chemistry class. He attended Colorado State University and earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering.

Mike served his country in the United States Air Force from 1969-1973, during the Vietnam era. He was stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Lompoc, CA, where he was involved in launching reconnaissance missiles.

He began his post-military career at Black & Veatch in Overland Park, KS, where for 27 years he designed control systems for power plants, including long-term assignments in Paola, IA and Bangkok, Thailand. From 2001 until his retirement in 2012, he was employed by Burns &McDonnell in Kansas City, MO.

As a young man, Mike experienced “redemption through Jesus’ blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”(Ephesians 1:7) In his own words, “I knew Jesus was a great man, taught great things, and suffered a terrible injustice. But I did not know His primary mission on earth: to save His people from their sins…I did not know that the horrible injustice He received was necessary to save people from their sins–even my sins! It turned my life around.”

Mike’s life exemplified the two great commandments given by Jesus: “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” He faithfully attended and served the various churches of which he was a member in countless ways, including as an elder of the Reformed Baptist Church of Kansas City for a few years. He has been an active and much-loved member of the Reformed Baptist Church of Louisville since 2012.

A multitude of people have benefited from Mike’s generous heart, hospitable home, and hands-on help. He served in various ministries, with a particular desire to show the love of Christ to the poor and needy in his church and community.

Mike loved baseball, dogs, history, theology, good times, good food, and a good bargain. He will be remembered for his subtle humor, his original rhymes, his service to others, and his great love for his family. A good listener, he often encouraged others with thoughtfully spoken words and letters. He loved much and will be missed much.

Mike is survived by Judy Chandler, his beloved and excellent wife of 58 years; their three children: David (Vicki), Becky Dunda (Fred), and Karen; eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Donations in his memory may be made to Re:Center Ministries in Louisville, KY, where Mike was a regular volunteer.

His memorial service will be Friday, July 18th at 10:00 a.m. at the Reformed Baptist Church. Visitation will also be at the church building on Thursday, July 17th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and on Friday, July 18th from 9:00-10:00 a.m. His family will attend his burial at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery in Radcliff, KY.

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