Douglas

Chandler

Douglas "Doug" Ray Chandler, a visionary oilman, devoted philanthropist, and true gentleman of Southeast New Mexico, passed away November 3rd, 2026. He was born on December 4th, 1946, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of hard work, resilience, generosity, and quiet dignity.

To know Doug was to love him. Although he was a man of few words, when he spoke, he did so with grace, sincerity, and authenticity. He led by example, demonstrating what it truly meant to live a life of honor, integrity, and purpose.

Doug's remarkable journey in the oil and gas industry began in the early 1970s, when he started from the ground up as a pumper working for his father-in-law John R. Gray. He later went to Texas as a drilling consultant and in 1994 he returned to New Mexico to work for John R. Gray, at Marbob Energy Company. Through unwavering dedication and hard work, of the Gray and Chandler families, Marbob grew into a major force in the oil and gas industry before its eventual landmark sale.

Doug's success also allowed him to pursue his passion for aviation. An avid aviation enthusiast, he founded Chandler Aviation and owned the FBO at Cavern City Air Terminal in Carlsbad. When he wasn't looking toward the skies, Doug enjoyed spending time outdoors, big-game hunting, skeet shooting, and competitive pigeon shooting. He was also a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan. In his later years, he could often be heard yelling at the television, holding on to the hope that this would finally be the year the Cowboys returned to their glory days, almost as though the players might hear him and straighten up.

Doug also took tremendous pride in his family and enthusiastically cheered on his brother-in-law, nephews, and great-nephews in their auto and truck racing endeavors. Whether cheering from the sidelines or sharing in their accomplishments, his love and support were always evident.

Beyond his remarkable business achievements, Doug possessed an extraordinary heart for giving. Alongside his late wife, Terry, he established the TLC Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Through the foundation, Doug supported numerous causes, from national organizations to local communities throughout Texas and Southeast New Mexico. Motivated by personal loss and a genuine desire to help those in need, he directed the foundation's efforts toward glioblastoma and other cancer research, cardiovascular care in the region, veterans' initiatives, programs supporting single mothers and children, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. His generosity extended far beyond financial contributions, reflecting his sincere compassion for others and his desire to leave the world a better place.

Doug's life was also marked by profound and heartbreaking losses, which he endured with remarkable courage and strength. He was preceded in death by his parents, Grady and Lela Chandler; his cherished first wife, Terry; his beloved son, Brandon; and his granddaughter, Brooke, brother Henry, and Lewis, and sister Emalene.

Doug is survived by his loving wife, Jowanna Chandler; stepson, Derrik Hubbard; granddaughter, Rainey Chandler; Corey Cattedra and family, Tyler Chandler and family, and numerous other beloved family members.

In the final years of his life, Doug began a beautiful new chapter alongside his wife, Jowanna. The two formed a deeply devoted bond and became inseparable, filling his later years with love, laughter, joy, and companionship. Together, they created cherished memories through their travels, lively themed Halloween parties, and celebrations of life's special milestones. Yet, some of their happiest moments were also the simplest: sitting side by side, watching television, and spending hours talking about everything from football to the state of healthcare in America. Their time together was a testament to the beauty of companionship and the joy of finding love and happiness in life's later chapters.

Doug will be remembered not only for his remarkable accomplishments but also for the strength of his character, his immense generosity, his unwavering resilience, and the quiet dignity with which he lived his life. His legacy will continue through the countless lives he touched, the communities he supported, and the family and friends who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

He will be deeply missed by his devoted wife, extended family and friends, his shooting community, and all those whose lives that were made better through his kindness, generosity, and friendship.

Services and Celebration of Life

Doug's wife and extended family warmly invite friends, loved ones, and members of the community to join them in remembering and honoring his extraordinary life.

All who knew Doug, whose lives he touched, or who simply wish to pay their respects are welcome to attend and celebrate a life exceptionally well lived.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday November 11th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Terpening & Son Mortuary in Artesia, New Mexico.

On Thursday November 12th, a breakfast gathering will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Faith Baptist Church, followed by the funeral service at 10:00 a.m., also at Faith Baptist Church. Followed by a grave side ceremony at Woodbine Cemetery