Richard E. Chandler

Dr. Richard E. (Dick) Chandler was called home be with His Lord on December 11, 2008. He was 92 yrs old. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mary Jean (Tag) Chandler, two daughters, Mrs. Charles (Susan) Castille and Virginia Tucker, both of Lafayette, four grandchildren, Chip Castille of San Francisco, California, Collin Castille of Lafayette, Christy Castille Savely of Lafayette and Juddson Callendar of Dallas, Texas., and nine great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Chandler of Independence, Missouri; and two sisters, Naomi Joyce and Marion Long. Dick was educated at William Jewell College, Liberty, Missouri and University of Missouri, where he earned his BA, MBA, then PhD at age 23. He majored in Spanish, and became a professor of Foreign Languages, coming to the Lafayette in 1947 to teach at what was then SLI (later to be USL, then ULL). He taught Spanish, French, German, Portuguese and English as a second language. He became Chairman of the Department of Foreign Languages in 1967, Hebrard Honor Professor of Foreign Languages in 1981. He retired in 1986 at age 70, after a long, distinguished teaching career that included publication 10 books in his field. He was an Eagle Scout, Founder of CODOFIL Consortium of Louisiana Colleges and Universities, Chairman of CODOFIL Academic Advisory Board, served as Chairman of Salvation Army Advisory Board, Past President Wesley Foundation Board, USL, President of International Relations Association of Acadiana, national president of Sigma Delta Pi, the national Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society from 1977 until 1992. He was a founding member of Asbury United Methodist Church and worked in that church in many areas, especially as choir director. He formed men's choir called Crusaders who enjoyed success all over the state as they sang the gospel message in many churches. Dick wrote most of the music sung by this group, a legacy that will be useful for many in the future. His life and his work touched many lives. He will be missed. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday at Asbury United Methodist Church conducted by Reverend Ed Boyd. Visiting hours will be observed on Friday from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm and will continue on Saturday from 12:00 pm until the time of service. Interment will be held in Lafayette Memorial Park.

Richard E. Chandler

October 21, 1916 - December 11, 2008