[Tn-talk] [Nfb-announce] Sad News from West Virginia

[David Andrews]

>From: "Ed McDonald" <ed at eioproductions.com>
>To: "NFB of West Virginia Discussion List" <nfbwv-talk at nfbnet.org>
>Date: Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:12:07 -0400
>Subject: [Nfbwv-talk] DEATH IN THE FAMILY
>
>I am writing to notify all of you in our Federation family that Karen's son
>(my step-son) Franklin Chandler, was murdered last week in Colorado Springs,
>CO, where he had recently relocated to live with his brother and look for
>employment.
>
>We have not yet been able to learn much additional detail concerning the
>incident except that his death resulted from multiple stab wounds and that a
>suspect has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder.  A police
>detective tells us that investigators believe they have a strong case but
>that trial is not expected until spring, 2010.
>
>Communicating from a distance over the past several days with the police
>department, coroner's office, funeral director, cemetery manager, etc., has
>consumed nearly all of our time and energy, and so it has been virtually
>impossible for us to make personal contact with all of the people who might
>want to know.  Thus, I have chosen this less than ideal means of reaching
>some of you who may not already have received the news.
>
>Needless to say, Karen was devastated by the loss, but she has shown amazing
>strength and composure throughout the ordeal.
>
>For those who might want to read it, below is the obituary that has just
>appeared in local news media.
>
>We are truly grateful for the outpouring of love and concern that has
>already come from family and friends.
>
>Cordially,
>
>Ed
>
>
>##################################################
>
>
>
>Franklin Edward "Frankie" Chandler, 26, of Keyser, WV, formerly of Fairmont,
>WV, died Friday, July 23, 2010 in Colorado Springs, CO.  He was born January
>12, 1984 in Fairmont, WV, the son of Donald Wayne Stephens and his wife
>Cheryl of Jamaica Queens, NY and Karen Jean (Sharp) McDonald and her husband
>Ed of Keyser, WV.
>
>He was a member of the Greater Allen AME Cathedral of New York.
>
>He is survived and cherished by two brothers, Army Staff Sergeant Carl E.
>"KJ" Chandler, II (and family) on active duty in Afghanistan; and USAF
>Senior Airman Jackson W. Chandler, currently stationed in  Colorado Springs,
>CO; one sister, Donna K. Jarboe (and family) of Fairmont, WV; three
>step-brothers, Gregory Creer of Jamaica Queens, NY; Craig Creer of Las Vegas
>NV; and Marcus Creer of North Brunswick, NJ; his grandmother, Madaline
>Honeycutt of Landover Hills, MD; along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces,
>nephews and cousins.
>
>Franklin's infectious smile, robust laugh, and generous spirit endeared him
>to all who knew and loved him.  He was taken from us much too soon and will
>be forever missed.
>
>The family will receive friends at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 135 Maple
>Ave. Fairmont, Monday (August 2) from 12:00 - 1:00pm.  Funeral services will
>be held at the church Monday at 1:00pm, the Rev. John McKenney officiating.
>Burial will follow at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Fairmont.
>
>Arrangements have been entrusted to the JG Lampkin Funeral Home.