Foster Chandler

Foster R. Chandler

Our beloved father, grandfather and patriarch was surrounded by legions of family members both living and dead, when he peacefully joined his beloved Faye on Sunday March 29, 2015. This date was exactly 27 years after his beloved first wife succumbed to cancer. (We all felt her presence at Dad's bedside.) Foster was 90 years young and working in the yard and garden he loved when he sustained a fall he was unable to recover from.

Foster was born at home in Rigby, Idaho on July 31, 1924 to Arthur Reuel & Margaret Foster Chandler. He is the third son of seven children. After graduating from Rigby High in 1942, he attended Idaho State College in Pocatello. He obtained a scholarship to attend medical school but due to the war and starting a family he settled on Pharmacy school. He graduated from Idaho State with high honors as a pharmacist. In 1943 he answered the call to serve during WWII as an infantryman and a paratrooper, first in the 82 Airborne Division and then the 17th Airborne Regiment. He was in Germany when the war ended in Europe and served in the Army of Occupation.

In 1946, after an honorable military discharge, he married Lucetta Faye Stoddard, in the Idaho Falls Temple. They are proud parents of seven children: Yvonne (Harry M. 'Bud') DeRyke, Layton; RaNae (Don deceased) Hulse, Idaho Falls,ID.; Steven (Nelda) Chandler; Olympia, WA. Marie (Lee) Christensen, Magna; Becky Adams, Syracuse; David (Chris) Chandler, Rigby, ID; and Peggy (Chris) Read, Layton.

On Nov.17, 1989 Foster remarried an amazing woman and dear companion, Vera Watchman. We all credit Vera with saving our dear father and grandfather's life and giving us another 25 years of love and memories. Foster was equally proud of Vera's three children he instantly added to his family: Thomas (deceased), and Barbara Watchman, Edmonton, Canada; Rick (Tori) Watchman, Sandy; and Shelley (Randall) Bennett of Moscow Russia. Foster's greatest joy is his family: All total he, Faye & Vera include 20 children and in-laws, 62 grandchildren, and 92 great-grandchildren in his direct line.

He was a great mentor and example to all and taught us by his example. He obtained the rank of Eagle Scout as a young man and was very proud that each of his 14 grandsons also earned their Eagle Rank. He felt even more blessed to have a lineage that desires to follow the Savior he loves so much himself.

He is also survived by his sister Lilly Mae (Billy McMurtery), Arco, ID. and two brothers Art (Elna) Chandler, Buhl,ID., and Kay (Karen) Chandler, Clearfield.

Dad was a tireless worker and his career as a pharmacist spanned 61 years. Many of those years were in his own pharmacy, Chandler Rexall Drug, where he made many dear and lasting friends. He also served as managing pharmacist at the Clearfield Job Corps pharmacy for over 30 years.

Foster was elected to serve on the Clearfield City Council but gave up a promising political career to spend more time with his first love, Church service. He was very active in the LDS church including service as Sunday School teacher, Scout Master, Elders Quorum and High Priest group leaderships, nine years as Bishop of the Clearfield 5th ward, six years in the Clearfield Stake Presidency, and over 20 years on the Clearfield Stake High Council.

Foster and Vera served five missions: a proselyting mission in Belgium/France, where he served as branch president. They also served missions in the Salt Lake City and Ogden areas including service missions with the Welfare, Employment, Church Humanitarian Center Pharmacy, and Family History departments. Foster was an active community member and joined the Kiwanis Club. He remained an active volunteer, attending meetings, helping with fund raising dinners and U.S.A. flag display projects until his death.

Foster touched the lives of many people for good; as a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, neighbor and friend. He put the Lord and his neighbors first throughout his life. He will long be admired and appreciated for his genuine love and interest in others, and his charity toward all. His living, vibrant message to family and friends is: "Follow the Prophet"! Many have testimonies of Jesus Christ and His restored church today because Foster was bold and loving in sharing his testimony with all. He will be remembered as a man of great integrity, and for his strong sense of duty to God, to others, and to community. You will be in our hearts always Foster! We will miss you until we meet again.

Funeral services will be held Monday, April 6, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the Syracuse South Stake Center, 3065 South, Bluff Road, Syracuse, UT. Friends may visit family Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road and Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment, Clearfield City Cemetery.