George Chandler

George John Chandler Jr., 72, passed away February 27, 2023 peacefully at his home on Chandler road in Old Hays, MT.

George was born on September 16, 1950 in Fort Belknap to George Sr. and Margie Chandler. In 1954-1962 George moved with his parents and siblings to Oakland, CA as part of the Relocation Act.

George went to high school at Flandreau, SD and he graduated from St. Paul’s Mission in 1968.

George served in the US Army during the Vietnam war and enlisted in 1970 and served two tours as a combat veteran. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device 1960, and Expert (M-14 Rifle and M-16 Rifle.) He was honorably discharged August 8, 1972.

George worked various jobs such as a ranch hand, construction worker, BIA roads operator, fire fighter, and grader operator. He also enjoyed fixing fence, feeding cows/horses. After his service he worked on several ranches such as Sunlight Ranch, Hawley Ranch, Bobby Lee and Ola Cochran’s ranch. He started his career at Indian Health Service at Crow Agency and Fort Belknap Agency. He retired as a US Government employee and served a total of 35 years.

George was known for his horsemanship and enjoyed training and riding horses. He had a special horse named Tonka. He enjoyed going for long drives, a morning cup of coffee with a cigarette, and telling his children and grandchildren about his various adventures with cars and horses. Was an avid listener of classic rock.

In his previous relationship he had 3 children and another relationship he had 4 children. He then met his wife Berva Not Afraid Chandler of 35 years, and they had 5 kids. George and Berva built their home in Black Lodge and Old Hays. He really enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and was the best grandpa to them. He loved to give everyone nicknames. Berva and George liked to go fishing, go on picnic’s, shooting gophers, and going out to dinner.

George is preceded in death by his parents George Sr. and Margie Chandler, brother Raymond Chandler Sr., sister Linda “Susie” Chandler, his daughter Kristmas Snow, Nephew John Dale Kindness, adopted brothers Ronnie Hawley, Preston Chandler Grant, Adopted sister Kathy Hawley, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and friends.

He is survived by his wife Berva Not Afraid Chandler, Children: Kelly Ann Chandler, Shawn Snow, Cora Kay Chandler (Dylan Black Eagle), Georgetta Rae Chandler, George John Chandler III (Amanda Chandler), Jimi Dee Chandler, Marjorie (Mike) Chandler, Tyrel (Lissa) Chandler, Leslie (Scott) Old Bull, Kelly (Barry) Bright Wings, Bradley (Angel) Chandler. Sisters: Penny Chandler and Carol Chandler. Brother: Craig Chandler Sr. Sister in law Sandra Grant

46 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Numerous nieces and nephews

Extended families include: Hawley’s, Walker’s, Horseman’s, Aragon’s, Brockie’s, Pohrt. Zeke and Ella (Brockie) Aragon.

Wake will be held at the St. Paul’s Mission on March 2, 2023, beginning at 6 pm. Funeral Services will be March 3, 2023, at 11 am with the burial to follow at the St. Paul’s Mission Cemetery with full military honors. Feed to follow at the Mission Rec Center.

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