Charles Albert (Al) Candler, 95, of Rosenberg went to be with his Lord on Sunday, May 24, 2015. A time to receive friends will be from 1:00 to 2:00 pm on Friday, May 29, 2015 at First Baptist Church Rosenberg, Texas, with funeral services beginning at 2:00 pm. Interment to follow at Davis-Greenlawn Memorial Park in Rosenberg, TX.

Al was born August 23, 1919, in Richmond, Texas, to William Henry and Mae Priester Candler. He was born in a small farm house on the Candler farm along the east bank of the Brazos River. He attended school in Richmond while helping his family run their farm and dairy operation. He graduated from Richmond High School in 1937.

In the summer of 1937, the Candler family home caught fire after a kerosene stove exploded. By the time the fire department arrived the entire home and all possessions were lost. Al, the youngest of their four children, moved to town with this parents and continued to assist his father in the farming and dairy operation.

In early 1942, he was called to active military duty and assigned to the Army Air Corps and trained as an Operating Room Surgical Technician. He was assigned to Fort Sam Houston and Randolph Air Field in San Antonio and completed his tour at Moore Air Field in Mission, Texas. In 1944 Al married Lily Ruth Babovec from Rosenberg, Texas. They returned to Mission, Texas while he remained on active duty. Upon his discharge in 1946, they returned to Rosenberg and he began his career with Gulf Oil Corporation. He spent four years at the Thompson field office and four years at the Pierce Junction division office before being transferred to Gulf's corporate office in downtown Houston, all while working on his accounting degree at the University of Houston. He retired from Gulf in 1982, having served as the company's accounting manager for Joint Venture Operations.

Al was a person who never sat still. He loved to build, fix or repair anything. He, with the help of his father-in-law and brother, built the house he called home for 58 years. He loved to fish and hunt, spending many summer vacations with the Doug Cochran and Van Spiller families, floundering along the Texas Gulf Coast. Deer season would find him hunting in Austin and Lavaca counties.

He and Lily Ruth enjoyed many church trips with the JOY Club (Just Older Youth) as well as traveling and singing with the Golden Heirs. They took many Christian bus tours across the US and Canada during their retirement years.

Al lived a faith-based life. He led his family by example and not just by words alone. He was a member of First Baptist Church Rosenberg, for many years taught a Sunday School class for young boys, and was an active deacon for over 45 years. He was a great mentor and taught his children how to live a Christ-centered life, and the legacy he leaves behind is evident today in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." II Timothy 4.7

AL is preceded in death by his wife Lily Ruth Babovec Candler, parents Will and Mae Priester Candler, brother Edward Candler and sisters Evelyn Huchingson and Willie Mae Burwell, infant great-granddaughters Elizabeth and Katherine McCuistion along with numerous brothers and sisters-in-law.

Al leaves behind a son Jim Candler and wife Cee Cee of College Station, daughters Pat Pritchard and husband Judson of Livingston and Cindy Poe and husband Bud of Meadows Place, sister-in-law Binnie Babovec and niece Mary Frances Rinehart. Surviving grandchildren include Kim Candler McCuistion and husband Brian, Colton Candler and wife Jessica, Allison Pritchard Settlemeyer and husband Josh, Jason Pritchard, Dustin Poe and Denton Poe. Great grandchildren include Connor and Reid Settlemeyer, Sam, William and Clair McCuistion, and Henry Candler.

The family would like to express its gratitude to Melinda Eliff, RN, Hilda Eagleton, RN, Quality Living of Missouri City and Silverado Hospice Care for the care and compassionate concern they gave our Dad and Granddad during his final days. To each, we are forever grateful.

Memorials may be given in his memory to First Baptist Church/Furnishing Fund, 1117 First Street Rosenberg, TX 77471 or to Quality Living, 2029 FM 1092, Missouri City, Texas 77459.

Condolence messages may be written for the Candler Family at www.garmanycarden.com.

Services are under the direction of Garmany & Carden Funeral Directors, 1201 Fourth Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471 (281) 342-4671.