In 1983, WSU's Center for Entrepreneurship published The Chandlers of Kansas, a book about the state’s premier banking family — proudly including Charles “Chuck” Q. Chandler. Written by Billy Jones, WSU distinguished professor emeritus of business administration, the book is part of the center’s Business Heritage Series.
Chuck’s grandfather, Charles Q. Chandler II, purchased an interest in a bank in Elk City, Okla., in 1883. In 1900, he bought the Kansas National Bank in Wichita. By the time of his death in 1943, he had been involved in the operations of 57 banks in five states. His son, Charles Jerome, took over the business, and in 1971, Charles Jerome’s son, Chuck, took over.
Chuck began his long banking career in Pratt, Kan., and joined the First National Bank of Wichita, now Intrust Bank, in 1950. Carrying on the family tradition was a “source of great pride and a continual challenge,” he was quoted saying in a 1983 newspaper article, which described the then chairman of First National as a “shy, private person with a passion for collecting sports cars and classic automobiles.” Chandler’s fascination with cars began when he was 13; the first car he bought was a 1932 Plymouth Roadster.
At the age of 16, Chandler sought and received permission to attend the University of Wichita, completing three semesters before being inducted into the U.S. Navy during World War II.
C.Q. Chandler III, chairman and CEO of Intrust Financial Corp., died July 26 in Wichita.
