Stewart "Stu" Jordan Chandler

Stewart “Stu” Jordan Chandler, age 50, of Shawnee, passed away Thursday, February 13, 2020 in Shawnee.

He was born March 24, 1969 in Iowa City, Iowa to Don and Jeanette (Chandler) Jordan.

Any visitor to Shawnee Presbyterian Church has probably wondered about that remarkably resounding, gravelly voice which sang out, faithfully, from the third row. A voice with volume and confidence, with skill and gravity—the voice of our dear friend, Stewart Chandler. Stu was a recent transplant to Shawnee, Oklahoma from what Stu liked to refer to as the “Island of Misfit Toys,” better known as Hull, Massachusetts (near Boston). Like his voice, Stu was a remarkable and loved man.

Stu was what you might call a “Man’s Man,” with his construction background and his tendency to curse like a sailor. But everyone he met was won over by his warm smile, his humor, and his booming and infectious laugh. Stu could offend you and make you laugh about it. He fit in with construction workers at a Patriot’s tailgate as easily as with a group of university professors. He loved people, and they knew it.

Anyone who knew Stu for any period of time had the pleasure of visiting his home and sampling BBQ from his smoker. Church brunches were often graced with a rack of ribs or pulled pork which he had masterfully cooked just for the occasion. His Facebook feed was filled with his many culinary creations, and his closest friends will undoubtedly lose a few pounds in his absence. One of his greatest pleasures was watching people enjoy his cooking.

Stu worked many jobs over his lifetime including paperboy, truck stop employee, construction worker, pizza chef, and security guard, until he finally found his calling as a Safety Professional. Stu received his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Hygiene from the University of Findlay in Ohio class of 1995. He worked as a Certified Safety Professional for Jay Cashman and Associates in Boston for 22 years. Stu was proud of his job with Cashman and the opportunities it brought to him. He always had a funny story to tell about happenings on the job. Stu was also well known in the industry for his work with OSHA educating workers about job safety. He liked to refer to himself as “Safety Stu.” He was good at his job.

In everything Stu did, he was always “ALL IN.” Whether it was work, athletics (as college wrestler and football player), chef, musician (bass guitar and vocals), sports fan (Go Sox! Go Pats!), or his friends, Stu was dedicated and an inspiration to others. The love and care he put into cooking or singing or even his job made others better. When he sang, he made you want to sing louder. When he laughed, he made you want to laugh. And when he delighted in cooking, he made you delight in cooking, too. He gave you a love for the good things he loved, and that is no small gift. It is a gift that we will all miss.

Stu’s life and his love affected the lives of many people. He would make you laugh, he would offend you, he would encourage you, and he would make you cry. Sometimes all in the same encounter. One thing he offered freely was his love. And you felt that when you were with him. Stu will not be forgotten. We are left with things he taught us to love, and the hope that now, without pain or ailment or hindrance, Stu is present with the source of all the good things he ever loved, Christ Jesus.

Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 22, 2020 at Shawnee Presbyterian Church with Reverend Matt Wiley officiating, under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh, Oklahoma.

The family has designated either National Kidney Foundation, Finance Department; 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY  10016 or Shawnee Presbyterian Church, 214 W. Farrall Street, Shawnee, OK  74801 as appropriate for memorials.