By Shayla Terry

One of the Town of Brantley’s beloved citizens will be laid to rest on Sunday, and not only the family, but the whole town mourns their loss.

Lamar Chandler, 62, loss his fight against cancer on May 30. Chandler was a police officer in Brantley for over 35 years, and the police chief for over 15 years.

Brantley Mayor Bernie Sullivan taught Chandler at Brantley High School. Sullivan says that Chandler always wanted to be a police officer.

“He didn’t just want to be a police officer, he wanted to be a Brantley police officer,” said Sullivan.

Chandler graduated Brantley High School in 1973. He went on to graduate from the police academy in 1976. Chandler was a police officer for the City of Luverne for two years before acquiring a job with the Brantley Police Department, where he remained until his retirement in October 2012.

Chandler trained many officers during his time in law enforcement.

“He took a chance on a bunch of young people,” said Kyle Flowers of Brantley.

“Several people he trained have gone on to have great careers, and have made a big difference in the lives of many.”

One of Chandler’s former trainees is present Brantley Chief of Police Titus Averett.

“He knew the job, and he gave you the right information,” Averett said. “He was a big asset, and we have suffered a big loss.”

Chandler’s two daughters grew up knowing they must obey the law. “He stayed on my sister and I about our driving skills, always staying away from drugs and alcohol and getting an education,” said Laura Chandler.

Sullivan said that Chandler always remained loyal to his family and to Brantley.

“I know that when he worked nights he missed out on so much,” Laura Chandler said.

“But, we never missed a night of telling him we loved him when he walked out the door, not knowing if he we would see him again.”

Memorial services for Chandler will be held at Spring Hill South Baptist Church in Brantley, Ala. at 2 p.m. on June 12.

“A lot of people loved and thought a lot of him,” said Megan Chandler. “It just warms my heart knowing that’s my daddy that they’re talking about.”