CARENCRO  ~  A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at 205 Waterhouse Road in Carencro, for Edward Forrest Chandler, age 74, who passed away Thursday, November 10, 2022 at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center. The Prayer Service will begin at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Deacon David Menard, with Military Honors following the service.

Edward was born on November 24, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Robert Richard Chandler and Rose Marie Wright Chandler. After he graduated high school, Class of 1964, he joined the United States Army. Five years later, on September 20, 1969, Edward married the love of his life, the former Margaret Nell Olivier. Together they traveled the world and lived in several states in the United States and overseas, as Edward continued his courageous Army career.

Edward proudly served three tours in Vietnam and earned numerous medals and honors. He retired from the United States Army in 1986, after 22 dignified years of service. Less than a year later, in 1987, he began his career as a civilian with 3rd US Army, Ft. Mcpherson, Georgia. On July 31, 2011, Edward retired after honorably working there for over 24 years.

He was an avid fisherman, he enjoyed spending time in his garden, and playing video games when time permitted of course. Edward was a loving son, husband, father, and brother. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him; they will especially miss him proudly exclaiming, “I’m an American soldier!” and “Old soldiers never die, they just fade away.” any chance he could.

Survivors include his beloved wife and best friend of 53 years, Margaret Nell Olivier Chandler; one brother, James Chandler; one sister, Tina Reed and her husband, Edward; two sisters-in-law, Brenda Olivier Guillory and her husband, Burke, and Maude LaGrange; two brothers-in-law, Pat Olivier and Richard Waltjen; his niece, Cora Olivier; his nephews, Gabriel Olivier, Jordan, and Alex Waltjen; a great-niece, Rayna Guilbeau; a great-nephew, Steven Brasher; and his great-great niece, Raya Kennison.

He was preceded in death by his only son, Craig Andrew Chandler; his parents; three brothers, Byron, Richard, and Wayne Chandler; four sisters, Bridget Waltjen, Faith Chandler, Hope Chandler, and Linda Lott; and his father and mother-in-law, Patrick and Gustavia Latour Olivier.

Melancon Funeral Home, 4615 N. University Ave., Carencro, (337) 896-6366 is in charge of arrangements.