Donald "Dean" Chandler

Donald “Dean” Chandler, 92, of Herrick, IL, passed away at 1:29 am Sunday, October 11, 2026, in his residence.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the First Christian Church of Herrick, IL with Dean’s great grandson, Jacob Daniels officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 14, 2026, and from 10:00 – 11:00 am Thursday, both in the church. Casual attire is requested. Burial will be in Myers Cemetery, Herrick, IL. Memorials may be given to the First Christian Church of Herrick, IL. Arrangements are by Howe & Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL.

Dean was born on March 25, 1934, at home in Bowling Green Township, Fayette County, IL, the son of Jake and Pearl May (Sarver) Chandler. He graduated from Herrick High School in the Class of 1952. Dean and Teresa Joy (Hardimon) Chandler were married on May 2, 1955. Dean began working at Wilbert Vault Company in Decatur, IL and later worked as an Inspector at PPG in Mt. Zion for 32 years. He was a lifelong farmer and was named Soybean National Champion in 1968. Dean served on the Bowling Green Township Board and was a lifetime member of the First Christian Church of Herrick, IL.

Dean is survived by his daughter, Debbie Pope (Bruce), Herrick, IL and sons, Dennis Chandler (Linda), Herrick, IL and Danny Chandler (Carol), Herrick, IL; grandchildren: Julie Daniels (Dustin), Assumption, IL, Holly Lucas, Herrick, IL, Lindsey Chandler, Herrick, IL, Lacey Garner (Chase), Herrick, IL, Jessica Lees, Pana, IL, Maria Chambers (Pete), Peoria, IL, Lesley Leary (Anthony), Little York, IL, and Chase Chandler (fiancée, Bailey Smith), Herrick, IL; and eleven great-grandchildren.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Teresa on June 22, 2023; son, Douglas D. Chandler; and sister and brother-in-law, Lena and Ed Witt.