Charles Eugene Chandler

Charles Eugene “Charlie” Chandler, 78, of Tucson, Arizona, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on July 31, 1947, in Portsmouth, Virginia, Charlie lived a life defined by service, perseverance, adventure, and an unwavering devotion to his family and country.

Charlie graduated from Great Mills High School and enlisted in the United States Army in 1966. He completed basic training, Advanced Individual Training, and Officer Candidate School, graduating in 1967. He served at Fort Belvoir before deploying to Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. Upon returning home, he attended U.S. Army Flight School — Rotary Wing Aviation, and later served in Germany, where his first daughter was born. He was honorably discharged in 1972.

In 1976, Charlie began a long and dedicated career with the United States Border Patrol, serving first in Yuma and later in Naco, Arizona. During those years, he made his home in Hereford and welcomed his second and third daughters. In 1981, he also entered duty with the Arizona National Guard Aviation Unit. Determined to advance his aviation career, Charlie purchased his own plane to build the flight hours needed to earn his pilot’s license — a reflection of his lifelong passion for flying.

Charlie and his family moved to Tucson in 1988 so he could further pursue aviation. After sustaining serious injuries in a plane accident in 1990, his determination never faltered. He returned to duty and continued flying helicopters, later transferring to San Diego in 1998. That same year, he retired from the National Guard as a Master Army Aviator. In 1999, while assigned to a detail in Tucson, he experienced another aviation-related injury, yet continued to serve with pride until retiring from the Border Patrol in 2001 after 25 years of service.

In 1992, Charlie met Patricia, who became the love of his life. They married on December 3, 2000, blending their families and affectionately calling themselves “The Brady Bunch.” Though their children were grown, Charlie embraced Patricia’s three children wholeheartedly, and their families came together with warmth, humor, and mutual respect.

Charlie and Patricia shared a full and adventurous life. They traveled extensively, including several months-long stays in Costa Rica, and made more than five cross-country trips in their RV. They enjoyed walking on the beach, kayaking, and bike riding, exploring new places, and spending summers at their second home in Pinetop. Charlie also took pleasure in woodworking, math puzzles, war history, and movies, but nothing brought him greater joy than time spent with Patricia and their large, blended family.

Charlie will be remembered for his strong work ethic, steadfast sense of duty, kindness, quiet strength, and deep love for those closest to him. Above all, he placed his faith in Jesus Christ, his Shepherd (Psalm 23) finding strength, hope, and peace in His love. Charlie looked to the Lord for help (Psalm 121) and believed in God’s promises. He is now at peace in His eternal presence.

He was preceded in death by his parents, June Virginia and Herb Eugene Chandler, and by his sister and brother-in-law, Sandra and George Ford.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his sister, Lynnette Prout (Mike); his daughters, Carrie Johnson, Cheralyn Lopez (Jaime), and Crystal Aguirre (Joe); his stepchildren, Michelle McKenna (Paul), Annmaree McDowell, and Micholjon Amado (Stacy); 27 grandchildren; and 23 great‑grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, our family respectfully requests donations to Alzheimer’s research.

Help Find a Cure. Join us on October 10 at 8 a.m. for the 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Gene C. Reid Park, 22nd Street and Country Club Road, Tucson, AZ 85716. Scan the QR code to make an online donation today or join our walking team. All money raised through the Walk to End Alzheimer’s supports the care, education, and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.

His celebration of life will be held on August 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Desert Sons Community Church, 5250 W. Cortaro Farms Rd., Tucson, AZ 85742. A reception will immediately follow.