Leland Foston Chandler, Jr.

Leland Foston Chandler, Jr., 92, of Onancock, VA, went to be with the Lord on August 15, 2020. His final days were spent at home surrounded by family, friends, and caregivers. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at the Fairview Lawn Cemetery in Onancock with his friend, The Reverend Al Crockett, officiating. 

Foston (like Boston but with an “F” as he would tell new acquaintances) was born at home in Onancock on October 23, 1927, to Thelma N. Chandler and Leland Foston Chandler, Sr. He attended the former Onancock High School and graduated after the 11th grade (customary in that era) in 1945. He then attended Fork Union Military Academy for a year. Two weeks after reaching age 18, he enlisted in the United States Army. His 3-month training was spent at Fort Lee in Virginia followed by a 15-month assignment in Tokyo, Japan where he was stationed with General MacArthur. After returning from Tokyo, he joined his mother and father working in the family business, Chandler’s Furniture, spending over 50 years working in retail, including a number of years working for Fair’s Furniture. 

Foston married Ida Jane Duer, of Painter, VA, on August 13, 1961. They raised two sons and one daughter at their Mt. Prospect home in Onancock. They enjoyed spending time playing cards and traveling with their many friends. Foston was a lifelong member of Market Street United Methodist Church and was a certified lay leader. He preached at over 100 multi-denominational churches throughout the Eastern Shore of Virginia in his lifetime. He was also an active community participant who was a member of the Lions Club, the Rotary Club, and Central Masonic Lodge #300. In addition, he served on the Onancock town council. Foston was a founding member of the Onancock Liar’s Bench club where he spent many hours greeting tourists as they moored telling all that would listen that they had just arrived at the second oldest town in the United States.  He enjoyed “visiting” the YMCA, the library in Accomac, Wendy’s, Bojangles, Hardees and Scott’s Barbershop. His recently favored stop was Wal-Mart in Onley where he could be seen sporting his plaid hat, bolo and suspenders while telling stories, riddles or jokes to anyone who may venture by.

Foston was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jane, of 30 years, and son, Leland Foston Chandler III.  He is survived by son, John D. Chandler (Clara) of Melfa; daughter, Ruth Chandler Somers (John) of Onancock; daughter-in-law, Teresa Chandler; his grandchildren, Leland Foston Chandler IV (Sharon), Kaylyn (KK) and Daniel Chandler; Evan and Seth Dize, Tyler and Taylor Chandler; and great grandchildren, Graciela and Millie Chandler.

Special appreciation is given to the many friends, community members, Riverside Shore Hospice and Intrepid Health Care Services who provided comfort, fellowship, and time to hear a story, joke or Foston’s words of wisdom which was usually cumulated with a prayer and a smile.  Foston requested that the poem that he wrote below be included in his obituary.

I look at life as being a bridge that connects

this world with the life hereafter,

And wise is the person that builds his bridge on

Faith, Love and Laughter.

I want to be known as a painter, not with a

Brush, but with words that will draw someone

Closer to their lord and savior.

The painter has walked over the bridge.

~ Leland Foston Chandler, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Market Street United Methodist Church, 75 Market Street, Onancock, VA 23417 or Riverside Shore Hospice, PO Box 616, Onley, VA. 23418. 

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.           

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Leland Foston Chandler, Jr., please visit our floral store.