of Conway, AR
June 7, 1924 - May 3, 2014
Howard ''Bear'' Chandler was born to Dan and Bessie Chandler on June 7, 1924 the community of Scuffletown, North Carolina just outside of Walnut, Madison County, North Carolina. He is survived by the love of his life for 72 years, Cecilia Bailey Chandler, his son and daughter-in-law, Dan and Kathy Chandler of Hot Springs Village Arkansas, grandson; Dan Chandler Jr of Hot Springs Village Arkansas, and sister; Betty Biggs of Lumberton, North Carolina. He is preceded in death by his daughter Sonja Lynn Chandler and grandson Robert ''Robbie'' Chandler.
''Bear'', as he preferred to be called, was born in the Great Smoky Mountains but left them at the age of 12 and, as he called it ''hoboed'' out to California and was returning east when he enlisted in the Army at Fort Sill Oklahoma, by claiming to be older than he was. While on maneuvers outside of Conway Arkansas he met Cecilia and they married. After his service in the army was over WWII soon started and he joined the Marines and his detachment was assigned to the USS Arkansas. On the USS Arkansas he saw action in both theaters from Normandy to Iwo Jima. He also assisted in the repatriation of US prisoners of war from camps in Japan and China.
After discharge from the Marine Corp ''Bear'' returned to Conway Arkansas and soon began his service to the citizens of the State of Arkansas by joining the Conway Police Department and while serving there attended The Arkansas Teachers College (now the University of Central Arkansas.) In 1949 he joined the Arkansas State Police and served in several Troops around the State. He soon was promoted to the Rank of Sergeant and was assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division in Little Rock. During his career with the Arkansas State Police he reached the rank of Lieutenant and was involved in historic national and state events such as the Central High Crisis and the shutting down of gambling in Hot Springs Arkansas. Due to his honesty and work ethic he was called upon by Governor Orville Faubus and Governor Winthrop Rockefeller to conduct many sensitive investigations and to create such sections within the State Police as the first Narcotics Investigations Unit.
''Bear'' pursued an interest that he developed while attend Arkansas Teachers College, handwriting and questioned document examination. And became a nationally recognized Questioned Document Examiner. Upon retiring from the Arkansas State Police he took the position of Chief Document Examiner with the newly formed Arkansas State Crime Laboratory. While in this position he was twice appointed Interim Direction of the Crime Laboratory by the then Governor Bill Clinton. ''Bear'' was glad to serve the short tenures as interim Director but wanted to remain in his position as Chief Document Examiner because he loved working with all the State and Federal agents that came to him for assistance.
After leaving the Arkansas Crime Laboratory ''Bear'' entered private practice and then retired to spend time with his family and friends.
''Bear'' loved his church (Pickles Gap Baptist Church), his family and friends, the outdoors, and history. He was a muzzleloader and loved to attend black powder matches and hunting with his flintlock rifles. Whenever you visited ''Bear'' and Cil you might find yourself throwing a tomahawk, grinding some corn, cooking in a Dutch oven or using one of his antique tools or forge. He loved to show young people how to use historical tools and items so that they too could feel the joy of doing things the way they were done in a simpler time.
''Bear'' was known by many names, Howard to his family in North Carolina, ''Slim'' or ''Hoss'' to his shipmates, ''Sandy'' to his nieces and nephews in Arkansas and of course ''Bear'' to Law Enforcement in the State and to all his friends. But he was most proud of being called a Christian Brother and shared his belief and love to all he met. Most will remember that the last thing he would say to you when you were leaving was ''I Love You'' no matter if you were family, friend or he had just met you. He loved everyone he met.
A Funeral Service will be held in his honor on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at Roller McNutt Funeral in Conway at 10 am with burial to follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday evening 6-8pm.
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23 Condolence(s)
Iaunita Garrett
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
I was his first sectary while he worked in questioned documents in the ASP. I just learned tonight of your loss and wanted to send my condolences. My husband Gerald Garrett Sgt. ASP and Bear were big buddies.. 501-268-6443 if I can do anything.
Patti Heath
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Brother Bear was a very sweet and affectionate and caring person. He will be dearly missed by all of those who knew him at Pickles Gap Baptist Church and in Conway. I want to send my condolences to his family and will keep them in my prayers during this time of grief. God Bless.
Howard & Sandra Chandler
Friday, May 9, 2014
Our most heartfelt condolences to the Chandler family. My family has always shared a kindred spirit with "Bear" and Cecilla. We met them over twenty years ago when we begin receiving each other's mail and immediately fell in love with them. My son Canon wrote a special paper on Bear's service to his country. Bear asked for a copy of it. All our love to you Cecilla and family.
Joe Isom
Friday, May 9, 2014
Dan, I'm so sorry for your loss. I never knew of anyone in law enforcement who was held in higher regard than your dad. I know he will be greatly missed.
Steve & Linda
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Dan & Kathy,
Our hearts go out to you and your family. We are keeping you in our prayers.
Max Koehler
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Freida and i are so sorry. We remember all the good times we had with both of you. We wil pray for you and the family that will put his arms around you and kep you in his his care.
Love Max and Freida Koehler
Carmen Evans Henderson
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
So sorry to hear of your passing, Although we never met, my grandfather, Lt. C.B. Evans, Arkansas State Police, Troop J, spoke so favorable of you. Thank you for your commitment and dedication to public service. God bless you and your family.
Dick and Carol Hatten
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Bro. Bear was a good and honest Christian man and we our thankful for knowing him. We enjoyed being around him at PGBC and visiting Cil and Bear in their home. What we will always remember is the love that Cil and Bear had for each other, and how they share it with others. He will be missed by all who knew him. Our loss is Heaven's gain, and Heaven rejoices at his coming Home! Our thoughts and prayers are with Cil, Dan, Kathy, and Dan JR and the rest of Chandler family.
Charles & Jan Carty
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Dan and Kathy,
So very sorry to hear about "Bear" passing away. Dan your Dad was a really good man and a great blessing to law enforcement in Arkansas and to his family. We hope and pray for GOD to comfort you all through out this time of loss but Howard will always be remembered as an inspiration to many others and you will have treasured memories for the rest of your life. GOD bless you
Ronnie & Joyce chambers
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
its hard to write about how I feel about a man who reminds me so much of my father, his love of god ,his love of family, love of country, love of friends, his compassion of anything to do with the woods. making time to talk to young people, teaching them by example what is important in life, Bear you will be in my heart and mind forever.
You will be missed
your friend Ronnie
Dr. Rev. Warren & Leta Stroud
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Dear Family:
We were so sorry to hear of Bro. Bear's passing. He was a great champion for truth and justice. He's one of the finest Christian men we've ever met. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. You're in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda Shettles Reeves
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
I am sorry to hear of Bear's passing. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.
Gayle Paladino
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
I'm so sorry to hear of Sandy's passing. I loved him dearly and will miss him terribly.
Debbie Delling
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Ms. Cil, Kathy, Dan & DJ
I am so sorry to hear of Bear's passing. He was bigger than life, so thoughtful and caring. My heart goes out to each of you. May the Lord give you peace and comfort at this very difficult time
Morgan "Chip" Welch
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
When I was in private law practice I had the privilege of working with Bear on many occasions. He was a true expert and a gentleman. His integrity was unquestioned. My wife, Cheryl and I send our thoughts and prayers. Chip
Roger & Beth Page
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Dan & Kathy,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Roger and Beth Page
Joe & Deane King
Monday, May 5, 2014
God and all his friends who went before him are welcoming him home
Ken & Ann Fairless
Monday, May 5, 2014
It's hard to believe that he is gone, but his stories and his love of his friends will go on forever
Bob Barham
Monday, May 5, 2014
What a wonderful tribute!!! Bear was a good and honest man and I enjoyed being around him from time to time. He will be missed by all who knew him. God Bless him and the Chandler family. Our loss is Heaven's gain.
Bob Barham
Conway Police Department
AR State Capitol Police - RETIRED
Butch Martin
Sunday, May 4, 2014
To the entire Chandler Family, Bear was always a role model for any Law Enforcement Officer. He was a friend from the day you met him and until now when He will leads all officers in Heaven. My prayers are with you all. Butch Martin
Butch Martin
Sunday, May 4, 2014
To the entire Chandler Family, Bear was always a role model for any Law Enforcement Officer. He was a friend from the day you met him and until now when He will leads all officers in Heaven. My prayers are with you all. Butch Martin
Randy & Janet Nokes
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Ms.Cil, So sorry to hear of Bear's passing. We will be sorrowful here on Earth,But Heaven rejoices at his coming Home! You and your Family are in our Prayers.
Lisa (Gray) Hill
Sunday, May 4, 2014
You will be missed dearly I have so many memory's going on vacations and camping I still remember you and grandpa getting in the creek and y'all hollering because it was so cold There's so many more memory's . I'll never forget. Rest in Peace. Love you Lisa.