Gary W. Chandler

Gary W. Chandler, 85, of Bargersville, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, March 9, 2025, at Community Hospital South in Indianapolis.

Born on December 8, 1939, in Indianapolis, Gary was the son of the late Claude Merle and Martha Marie (Sears) Chandler. A proud 1958 graduate of Trafalgar High School, Gary went on to have a fulfilling career at Eli Lilly & Co., where he retired in 1993 after 35 years of service as a Senior Antibiotic Operator.

Gary was a dedicated member of St. Agnes Catholic Church in Nashville and a Third-Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus. He was an avid sports fan, supporting Indiana, Purdue, and Notre Dame athletics. Until age 65, he played on a Senior League Softball team, where they won the National Championship in 2000. A lover of nature, he found joy in tending to his flower and vegetable gardens. Above all, Gary was known for his love of family, his warm heart, and his delicious cooking.

Gary was preceded in death by his sister, Carol Green; and a son in law, Todd Welty. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 64 years, Mary Jo (Vespo) Chandler, whom he married on January 10, 1961, in Beech Grove. He is also survived by his children: Jeff (Alice) Chandler of Butlerville, Brian (Lori) Chandler of Waleska, GA, Kim (Gene) Waltman of Nineveh, and Tracey Welty of Bargersville; grandchildren: Dale, Eric, Mandy, Kurtis, Jordan, Faith, Shelden, and Grant; eight great-grandchildren; and his beloved cat, Missy.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 12 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1008 McLary Road in Nashville, with visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Services have been entrusted to Meredith-Clark Funeral Home Cremation & Personalization Center in Morgantown.

Memorial contributions may be made in Gary’s memory to the Bargersville Community Fire Department – Station 201, 3991 N. State Road 135, Franklin, IN 46131.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be shared online at www.meredith-clark.com.

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