DeWitt Chandler III

DeWitt Chandler, III, age 71, passed away peacefully in Corpus Christi, Texas, on November 24, 2025. He was born on November 7, 1954, in Abilene, Texas, and later graduated from South San Antonio High School. On November 11, 1978, DeWitt married the love of his life, Marie Annette Wilkins, at Oak Bridge Baptist Church in San Antonio, Texas—a partnership that became the cornerstone of his life for nearly five decades.

DeWitt built a long and respected career in Non-Destructive Testing, holding credentials in API 510, AWS/CWI, and Level II. His work took him across the country through numerous contracted positions with organizations including Southwest Research Institute, Code Testing, Koch Refining, AIITech, Baseline Data, Industrial NDT in Richmond, VA, Litwin Engineering, HY Yoh/Learjet Aerospace, the Department of Energy EG&G Idaho, and the Tennessee Valley Authority Watts Bar Nuclear Plant. Known for his dedication and strong work ethic, DeWitt earned the admiration of colleagues everywhere he served.

A proud member of the NRA, DeWitt was a man who embraced life with passion. He loved college football, fishing, hunting, and found joy in repairing children’s bicycles—always willing to lend a helping hand. His happiest moments were spent with family and the many children whose lives he touched. He delighted in teaching kids how to throw a football or shoot hoops, grilling BBQ hotdogs, hamburgers, and fajitas, singing, sharing laughter, and most importantly, teaching them about God and Jesus Christ’s saving grace.

In recent years, one of his favorite things to share was the song “Dusty Bibles.” He lovingly sang it to every kiddo he could, reminding them with the heartfelt line: “Dust on our Bibles and brand new iPhones and wonder why we feel this way.” His faith, humor, and warmth made him unforgettable to all who knew him.

DeWitt is preceded in death by his father, DeWitt Chandler, Jr.; his mother, Mardee Chandler; and his sister, Karen Cutler.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Marie Chandler; his children: DeWitt Chandler, IV, Esther Nicole Chandler, Noah Jacob Chandler, and Suzanne Marie Chandler; his siblings: Karen and William Cutler, Cameron and Betsy Chandler, and Corey and Alison Chandler; and his beloved grandchildren: Kaitlyn Chandler, James Chandler, Christian Warner, William Warner, Benjamin Warner, and Joanne Warner.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Corpus Christi EMS, Driscoll Children’s Hospital Critical Care Transport Department Leadership—Jeremy Goodman and Mark Moore—and the teachers, counselors, and principal of Sanders Elementary School for their compassion and support during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the DCH Critical Care Transport Team, an organization close to their hearts.

DeWitt Chandler, III, will be remembered for his faith, his generosity, his humor, and the love he poured into his family and community. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched.