Jerry Chandler, age 82, of Kennewick, Washington, passed away at home on July 14, 2026, from complications following a stroke. He was born August 24, 1943, in Poteet, Atascosa County, Texas, to Lena Mae Grunewald and Clyde Dee Chandler.

Known by those brave enough to tease him as "Sausage Fingers," Jerry was larger than life in the best possible way. He had a booming voice, a quick wit, a gift for pranks, and a way of making just about everyone feel like his best friend. If you were younger than him, there was a good chance he called you "Leroy", "Liver Lips," or "McBoing Boing". If you were a stranger in need, there was a good chance he found a way to help you.

Jerry grew up in South Texas near San Antonio, where Spanish was required in school and became a language he spoke fluently throughout his life. His childhood changed suddenly when his father, Clyde Dee Chandler, was killed in a car accident in 1956, when Jerry was just 12 years old. With his older brothers Eugene and Clyde serving in the military, Jerry stepped up to help support the family. He left school and went to work, taking on responsibility far beyond his years.

At 16, Jerry became an apprentice to an electrician, beginning a lifelong career built on hard work, practical skill, and a healthy respect for not touching live wires. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in June 1962 and served for two years, stationed in Germany, where he continued doing electrical work. Later, as an Army veteran, he earned his GED and took college courses in electricity.

Jerry met Fay Elaine Young while they were young in Texas. Fay grew up in nearby Quemado, and their paths crossed in middle school. Both later served in the military — Fay in the Women's Army Corps; Jerry in the Army. After their service, they reconnected while Fay was visiting her parents in Quemado. Jerry moved to Odessa to be near her, and the two were married on December 30, 1965. Soon after, they welcomed four children: Dwayne, Anita, Lahonda, and Jerry Jr. Their marriage was a partnership of more than 60 years, filled with family, faith, work, service, laughter, and more than a few practical jokes.

Jerry worked as an apprentice lineman in construction and the oil fields before sending out more than 50 resumes in search of the next opportunity. Hanford offered him a lineman position, and in February 1979, Jerry and Fay moved their family of six to Washington. When the job turned out to be more electrical maintenance than line work, a friend referred him to Benton County PUD. Jerry began there in 1981 as a lineman, working the service truck, turning power on and off for customers, and often serving as a Spanish translator. He spent 35 years with Benton County PUD before retiring in October 2008. Even after retirement, his experience was so valuable that they kept calling him back to install meters.

Jerry was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, having been baptized with his siblings when he was young. He attended the Kennewick 6th Ward and served as ward mission leader—his favorite calling—more than once. Jerry and Fay welcomed dozens of young missionaries into their home, offering humor and sustenance. He kept daily journals and had a deep testimony of the Plan of Salvation and eternal families. His faith brought him peace, especially his belief that he would be reunited with loved ones.

Above all else, Jerry loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He loved fishing, telling stories, entertaining a crowd with his silliness, making people laugh, and caring for others—especially an underdog. He was kind, loyal, funny, generous, a great chef, and unforgettable.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Dwayne Chandler; his siblings Eugene Chandler, Doris Smith, Greta Chandler, Dale Bracken, Jack Fairchild, and Wilda Jo Fairchild; and other beloved family members.

He is survived by his wife, Fay Elaine Young Chandler; his children: Anita Elaine Chandler, Lahonda Fay Chandler, and Jerry Lamar Chandler; eight grandchildren: Justin Hamill, Jacob Hamill, Anna Hamill, James Baker, Nicky Chandler, Haley Brashear, Leighton Wodehouse, and Justus Stout; 14 great-grandchildren; and his siblings: Clyde Warren Chandler, Shirley Carlton, and Billy Chandler.

Funeral services will be held on August 1, 2026, at 11am at the Hansen Park Ward LDS Church on 8120 W. 4th Ave in Kennewick. Jerry will be laid to rest at Desert Lawn Memorial Park, 1401 S. Union St., Kennewick, Washington.

Jerry's family will miss his laugh, his stories, his big heart, his big voice, and the way he could turn an ordinary moment into something worth remembering. His legacy lives on in the family he loved so fiercely and in every "Leroy" who knew they were loved because Jerry said so.