Robert Chandler

Someone who was always willing to work hard, Robert Chandler was a strong, honest, and generous man of integrity who touched the lives of those around him in a significant way.

As the 1920s dawned, America was on to a bright future with the victory of WWI. Since we were viewed as a world leader, nations looked to us to set the pace for what was to come. The year 1920 was a year of great significance for one young family from Plainwell, Michigan, as they were pleased to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy on May 25th. Bob was welcomed into the arms of his loving parents and was raised in the family home in Plainwell where he attended local schools.

After graduating from high school Bob attended Western Michigan College and later graduated from Mahers Business College. With his education behind him, Bob was ready to hit the ground running when it came to building a career. For 14 years he worked as an accountant for a local fan company called Clarage and also as a sales representative for Investors Diversified Service for 20 years. With a desire to be his own boss, Bob founded Industrial Graphic Service and served as president and treasurer for over 20 years.

While he was busy obtaining his education, Bob met and married Marian Shearer in 1940. Together they raised five children, Jeanne, Jerald, James, Joan, and Jill. He was deeply saddened with Marian’s death in 1990.

Brighter days were on the horizon for Bob when he married Jane Borr from Grand Rapids in 1991. Together they enjoyed the sunset of their lives, making memories along the way. Once Bob retired they moved to Holland, and he became an active member of First Reformed Church where he served on consistory and taught Sunday school.

Robert Chandler was a man of faith, a devoted family man, and a loyal friend who will be deeply missed. The memories and timeless wisdom he leaves behind will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of those he leaves behind.

Robert Chandler of Holland and formerly of Kalamazoo died on June 13, 2011. Bob’s family includes his wife, Jane; his children, Jeanne M. (Ronald) Breen of Pine Lake, MI, Jerald F. Chandler of Parchment, MI, James (Judy) Chandler of Delton, MI, Joan ( William Charles) Greenfield of Farmington, NM and Jill C. Chandler of Resten, VA; Step-children; Steven (Linda) Borr of Kansas City,Ks. , David Borr of Holland, 13 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Friday, 11:00 a.m. at First Reformed Church, 630 State St., Holland with Revs. Paul Reynen and Dick Doeden officiating. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Plainwell, MI. Visit with Bob’s family and friends on Thursday, 7-9 at the Northwood Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes, 295 Douglas Ave. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to sign an online registry or to leave a memory.