Charles C. Chandler

Charles C. Chandler

On Monday, November 21, 2022, Charles C. Chandler died at the age of 94 at UH Portage Medical Center surrounded by family.  Charles was born in Mt. Gilead, Ohio on August 5, 1928 and grew up in Norwalk, Ohio in a family of educators.  After graduating from high school salutatorian, Chuck enlisted in the army and was stationed at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Texas, attaining the rank of sergeant.  Following his military service, Chuck graduated with a Bachelor’s in education (summa cum laude), Bachelor’s in economics (cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa), and a Master’s degree, all from The Ohio State University.  Chuck taught high school history and then went on to get a Ph.D. from Michigan State University.  At Michigan State, he met Kathleen, his wife and beloved partner for 64 years.

Chuck began his work in higher education, first as an instructor at Michigan State University, then as an assistant professor at the University of North Texas, and then as associate professor at Northern Michigan University.  He was a professor at Kent State University for 28 years during which time he served as Chair of the Department of Education for 10 years, and as acting Associate Dean of the College. 

Chuck had a lifelong love of travel.  Summers and school breaks were spent traveling the United States, Mexico, and Europe with his family, including spending one year as a visiting professor at the University of London, England on a sabbatical, the year of the May 4th Kent State Shootings.  The following year, Chuck was asked by the President of the University to serve on the select committee to investigate the May 4th shootings.

He was also an avid sports fan, supporting the Buckeyes, the Kent State Golden Flashes, the Guardians, Browns, and Cavaliers, often with his son-in-law Rick.  Chuck was well-read and kept abreast of current events, popular culture, politics, and sports, and was a wonderful conversationalist. Chuck and Kathleen hosted their family during the holidays in Marco Island for over 25 years. Many wonderful Christmases and Hanukkahs were spent in Florida with his children and their families.  Family was so important to him and brought him so much joy.  He was so proud of his three daughters Sue, Beth, and Jenny, and their families.

Chuck and Kathleen enjoyed life to the fullest up until the end of his life.  His kindness, love, and wonderful sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him.  He leaves behind his loving wife Kathleen, and daughters Susan Kambrich (Jim) of New York, NY,  Jennifer Dolan (Michael) of Darien, Ct. and Elizabeth Marks (Rick) of Akron, Ohio; grandchildren Caroline, Katie, Nathalie, Anna, Brooke, Brenton, Chase, and great grandchild Colton.  He is also survived by his siblings Harry (Patty) Chandler, Marjory Barnes and Shirley Berry. He was predeceased by his brother Arthur (Jane) Chandler, brothers-in-law Robert Berry and G.L Barnes, and his parents Nell and Burton Chandler.

The family is having a private ceremony.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kent State Foundation, http://ksu.convio.net/ChandlerMemorial

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