Mark A Chandler

Private Funeral Services for Mr. Mark A Chandler will be Friday, March 20, 2020 at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home with the Reverends Mike Boles and Milton Whatley officiating. Private Interment will follow Saturday, March 21, 2020 at Woodlawn Cemetery next to his parents in Sumner, MS. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Mr. Chandler, 55, of Meridian passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at his home.

Mark was born in Clarksdale and grew up in Sumner, MS, he was Eagle Scout and was a graduate of Lee Academy where he lettered and excelled in baseball. He went on to continue his education at Delta State University and Meridian Community College. Mark managed many hotels in the South East; He went on to Meridian, MS where he began the Hotel and Restaurant Management Program in 1996 at MCC where he taught for 24 years. Mark was beloved and respected by his colleagues, friends, and students. Mark catered many events through the years and was known for his bread pudding in many states. He was also a columnist for the 393 Magazine where he wrote many culinary articles. In addition, He was also featured on numerous occasions as the guest writer for the food column in the newspaper food section. Mark was a member of Evangel Temple Church where he faithfully attended. Mark was currently serving on the Physical Facilities Committee. In the 2018-2019 School year, he served as the chair of the Institutional Purpose Committee and led the committee in the adoption of a new institutional mission statement for MCC. Among some of the honors Mark received are the MCCer of the Month, HEADWAE Recipient, MS Collegiate DECA Honorary Life Member-This is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon an educator or business executive by DECA and is awarded based upon dedication and service to the students. Mark first dated Melody in 1982 and she was the first girl that he loved; 30 years later they found their way back to one another.

Mark is survived by the love of his life and wife of 2 years, Melody Joy Wiggs Allen; daughter, Lizzie Mason (Kalan); and one grandchild on the way. Sister, Cindy Whatley (Milton); brothers, Tony Chandler (Lisa), and Michael Chandler (Cindy), as well as a host of nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Mr. Chandler is preceded in death by his daughter, Lauren Chandler; parents, Claudie and Sue Chandler.

The Chandler family suggest memorials be made to the Hotel and Restaurant Management program at MCC in lieu of flowers.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com.

The Chandler family will hold a memorial service at a later date for the public to attend.