Age 95, died Friday, March 22, 2024, at his home in Sliver Maples of Chelsea with his daughters by his side. He was born August 6, 1928, in Akron, Ohio, the son of Hervey D. & Lois W. (Wood) Chandler.Bill served during the Korean War in the United States Air Force, as a 1 Lt. (Class of 49-C) He loved flying and flew C 52 (Cargo Transport) planes between the US, Japan and Korea.
He was discharged from the Air Force in 1952 and followed his brother to Michigan State College where he met his wife, Marilyn Rice. They were married in 1953 in East Lansing, MI. In 1954, they moved to Chelsea where they raised 3 daughters.
Bill was part-owner and manager for the Detroit Abrasives Company, an abrasive reclaiming business that his father-in-law had started. He sold the business in 1968 and returned to school to become a teacher. He taught for a couple years at Milan High School, then was invited to come to Chelsea High School to establish and operate the Work-Study and Co-op Programs. He also taught business education and business law classes.
Bill was very active in the Chelsea Community. He served as a Trustee for the Congregational Church, was elected and served on the Chelsea Village Council, was appointed to the Chelsea Village Planning Commission, served on the Chelsea United Way; helped establish the Chelsea Help Line (now 211), served on the McKune Memorial Library Board, the Mill Creek Research Council (for over 30 years). He was a charter member of the Chelsea Co-op Nursery School. Bill received the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce for his dedication to serving the City of Chelsea. He loved trains and also served on The Chelsea Depot Board Association for over 20 years. Bill was the Recipient of the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award from The Chelsea Depot Board of Directors.
Bill was an avid swimmer at the Chelsea Wellness Center a hobby that he thoroughly missed when he had to stop two years ago. He enjoyed woodworking, photography, and puttering around in the yard. He loved spending time with his family, camping in their AirStream, trips to Colorado to visit his brother and later his daughter Mary Beth, canoeing with his daughters and their friends, spending time in Florida in the winters, and spending time on Clear Lake sailing, boating and relaxing. He and Marilyn also enjoyed travelling with the Nomads Club visiting various places around the world.
Bill is survived by two daughters Cindy (Richard) Westfall of Rochester, NY, Carolyn (Nick) Roopas of Ann Arbor, five grandchildren, Alyssa (Jason) Roopas-Houle, Emily, Alex and Evan Roopas, Kathryn (Patrick) Westgrove; and two great-grandchildren, Adelaide Rose and Ryan Westgrove. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn, his daughter, Mary Beth Chandler, brother, John Chandler, and infant sister, Marjorie Chandler.
A memorial service was held Saturday, March 30, 2024, 1:00 pm at Silver Maples of Chelsea, with Rev. Jeff Crowder officiating. The family received friends before the service from Noon-1:00, and at a reception after the service until 3 pm. A private burial was held at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea. Memorial contributions may be made to Barn Sanctuary, 20179 McKernan Dr., Chelsea, MI 48118. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.
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