Frank Chandler, 80, was welcomed into heaven on April 11, 2015, in Hutchinson, following courageous battles with prostate cancer, renal failure and Alzheimer's disease. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Frank came into the world as a gift from God, born to Frank and Vera Chandler on Jan. 22, 1935. He was raised on the Idaho wheat farm his parents settled at no cost through the Homestead Act.

By obtaining a basketball scholarship, he was able to earn a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1957. Frank nobly served his country as a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps, stationed in Quantico, Okinawa and Camp Pendleton. While in Okinawa, he was assigned to coach a team of Marines to play exhibition games against the Chinese national basketball team in preparation for the 1960 Olympic games in Rome.

He married the love of his life, Linda Hook. His two sons, John and Brad, were his pride and joy.

An innate gift to develop relationships and a strong sense of integrity led him to pursue a career in sales, working for a farm machinery company owned by his uncle, Vern Schultz. In his uncle he found a mentor, teaching him the merits of being a "giver" and to look for opportunities to invest in the success of others. His humor and contagious smile served him well in a productive 13-year career with Hesston Corporation until they were purchased and reorganized by Fiat. In the early 1980s, he relied on his eternal optimistic attitude to find new ways to support his family. After short stints as an investment broker and starting a children's Bible video company, he found success in the credit collection industry. He had the biggest heart and struggled annually with the dilemma of collecting during the holidays, when he preferred the money be spent on Christmas presents for the kids of the debtors. He loved working with the people he surrounded himself with and ultimately got more pleasure from the relationships than the business. He treasured his time on Wednesdays and Fridays, golfing with great friends.

Frank always put his love of family first and wore this love for them on his sleeve. His four grandchildren, whom he adored, often referred to him as "The Great One." He was their biggest cheerleader and attended countless sporting events and musicals. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, taking them for rides in his golf cart and making homemade ice-cream. Spending time with them was a priority. Frank always kept his enduring smile, wit and sense of humor to the very end. He will forever be missed by his wife, Linda; his sons, John and Brad and his wife, Kelly; and his four grandchildren, Reilly, Lindsay, Ryan and Lauren. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Eldon, Bill and Gerald.

Celebration of Life service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 20, 2015, at the First Presbyterian Church , 201 E. Sherman, Hutchinson, with the Rev. Mark H. Miller officiating. Friends may sign a register book Tuesday through Sunday at Elliott Mortuary.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Hospice House, in care of Hospice of Reno County, www.hospicerenocounty.com/giv_donate.aspx, or mailed to Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

A special "Thank You" to all of his nurses and doctors and all the staff at Hospice House for their wonderful care and compassion.