Mr. Leland Dwane Chandler, 103, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 6:57 a.m. Friday, June 12, 2026, at the Hawthorne Inn in Galesburg.
He was born on January 3, 1923, in Table Grove, Illinois, the son of Ward and Jessie (Wright) Chandler. He enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 18 near the beginning of World War II. He was stationed in Corregidor, an island of The Philippines, and was subsequently captured there by the Japanese, along with 400 others. The group were Prisoners of War for 3 ½ years, working in the Yodogawa Steel Mill in Japan, until the remaining 58 prisoners liberated themselves by stealing a train and taking it to American territory.
Leland came to Galesburg to recover at the former Mayo General Hospital. He soon met the love of his life, Ruth Elizabeth Bodeen, while working at a gas station. They enjoyed 75 years of life and marriage until Ruth’s passing on December 8, 2023.
After his recovery and being honorably discharged, Leland became a fireman. He served in Civil Service as a fireman at Chanute Air Force Base for a total of 31 years, retiring after serving 13 years as Fire Chief. During this time, Leland and his family spent two years in Turkey, where he worked at inspecting the fire operations of overseas military bases.
After retiring from being a firefighter, Leland continued to work during his life. He farmed for a time, drove a school bus, inspected fire extinguishers, and plowed snow, among other things.
In his spare time, Leland enjoyed woodworking, fishing, camping, and mushrooming. He was able to participate in one of the early Honor Flights. His service continued as he worked to help with fundraising efforts for subsequent Honor Flights. He will be remembered as a champion for the underdog, but his wife and children always came first.
Left to cherish his memory are five children, Ann Duff, Alan (Memory) Chandler, Steve (Dawn) Chandler, Lynn (Gordon) Woodworth, and Andy (Julie) Chandler; along with several grandchildren and great grandchildren. The family of Leland Chandler would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Compassus Hospice and Hawthorne Inn for the compassionate care and kindness shown to Leland and his family.
Cremation will be accorded. Private family graveside service with Military Honors will be in the Rock Island National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to the Galesburg Rescue Mission or a favorite charity. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services of Galesburg is honored to serve the family. Online condolences may be left on the funeral home’s website at www.h-p-w.com.
