Luke Milo Chandler

Obituary

In Loving Memory of Luke Milo Chandler

Luke Milo Chandler, 32, a beloved son, brother, grandson, uncle, cousin, nephew, and friend tragically left this world on May 22, 2026. Born on October 19, 1993, in Cincinnati, Ohio and primarily resided in Satellite Beach, Florida. His life was a testament to intellectual curiosity, laughter, and love.

Luke was a man of many skills and interests. As a young child, Luke excelled at chess and sports (soccer and football primarily). He continued his talents for strategy games for the duration of his life. Luke’s interest in the sciences started from a young age, with numerous queries, curiosities, and experiments at home (often involving the freezer). He was known as a goofy kid gifted with a keen sense of humor, as well as his luck during family card games earning him the moniker “Lucky Luke”.

Luke continued this passion for the scientific method leading to his college studies. Luke graduated with his bachelor’s in science in Biology from the University of Central Florida in 2016, and his PHD in Genetics from the University of Florida in 2022. He worked within the research laboratory environment and enjoyed the technical attention to detail.

Luke was a loving, kind, and goofy soul graced with an intellectual spirit of wonderment. He could hold a conversation with nearly anyone about esoteric deep subjects. Luke became an avid reader, loving dog owner, dedicated member of the AA community, and a devoted Christian. In recent years he had been focusing on being healthy through proper eating and exercise.

Luke is survived by his loving parents, Curt Milo Chandler and Jennifer Koch Chandler; his supportive sister, Erin Chandler Klemenz, and her husband, James Francis Klemenz; his cherished niece, Amara Jane Klemenz; and his nephew James William Klemenz, who was born shortly after Luke’s passing. Though they never had the opportunity to meet, James William will grow up knowing the story of his uncle and the legacy he left behind.

Luke is also survived by his paternal grandparents, Lisle Hugh Chandler and Julia Helen (Wheeler) Chandler; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, other extended family and friends. Luke was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, William James Koch and Barbara Carol (Reboulet) Koch. He will be deeply missed by all. Gone too soon, always loved, and never forgotten. Luke’s memory will live on through his family, whose lives have been enriched by his steadfast love and support.

A small memorial was held in Luke’s hometown of Satellite Beach, Florida on June 5, 2026. We appreciate all in attendance that shared his memories with love. We plan to celebrate Luke’s life with love at our annual family reunion in Ohio this summer; he will be missed for many reunions to come. Encourage your friends, family, and own self to openly discuss mental health, including wellbeing and struggles. We are all here for each other.