John Rex Chambers

John Chambers, age 92, of Oldsmar, passed away peacefully on January 30.

Born in Elnora, Indiana, John was the son of the late Walter Chambers and Edna Williams Chambers. One of twelve children, he grew up in a close-knit family that eventually settled in St. Bernice, Indiana, where he attended school. At just seventeen years old, John answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Army. He proudly served two tours during the Korean Conflict and was awarded the Purple Heart for his courage and sacrifice. He later continued his military career in the United States Air Force, completing a combined total of twenty years of honorable service.

After retiring from the military, John remained dedicated to serving others, concluding his professional life as Chief of Police at the VA Hospital.

While stationed at MacDill Air Force Base, John met the love of his life, Flora Castellano. The couple eloped in 1955 and shared sixty devoted years of marriage until her passing ten years ago.

John’s greatest joy was his family. Known for his generosity and kind heart, he took immense pride in his children, John and Rosemarie Chambers; his daughter-in-law, Janice Nix Chambers; his grandchildren, Matthew Chambers and Jessica Chambers Blair; and his cherished great-grandchildren, Silas and Will Blair and Lyra Chambers. He also enjoyed sports, boating, and fishing, and found simple pleasure in daily walks at the park, where he was known for sharing treats with his many beloved “fur friends.”

John is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; his brother, Benard Chambers; his grandchildren-in-law, James Blair and Stephanie Eckert Chambers; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers—Walter, Billy, Franklin, Ross, Thomas (his twin), and Paul Chambers; and four sisters—Dixie Ruffattola, Margaret Chambers, Judy Elledge, and Diana Cowsert.

In keeping with John’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

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