Jean Candler

Jean Edens Candler (“Sistie”), 80, of Arlington, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2020, after a long and blessed life.

She was born February 2, 1940, to Ralph and Lucile (Evans) Edens in Coleman, Texas.  She was proud of her heritage and who her parents and grandparents were.  She graduated from Talpa High School in 1957 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Hardin- Simmons University in 1961.  She married Jerry Candler from Ballinger in 1962 and they shared fifty-four loving years together.

After graduating from college, she taught elementary school for five years before leaving the teaching profession to become a stay-at-home mother and would later help Jerry operate a business in their home.  In 1993, she joined American Airlines as a customer service representative in the Advantage Miles Department and worked there until her retirement in 2008.

Jean was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.  She led by example.  She was cheerful, kind, and exceptionally thoughtful of others.  She loved her family and valued spending time with family more than anything.  She cherished her many friendships and was “quick” to offer encouraging words to others in their time of need.  She appreciated music and enjoyed volunteering at Bass Hall after her retirement.  She accepted Jesus as her personal Lord and Savior at a young age and was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Arlington.  Hers was a life well lived and to us, she was close to perfect.

She is preceded in death by her parents; sister Elizabeth Ann Green; husband Jerry Candler; and son-in-law, Michael Takemura.  She is survived by her children, Sheri Tadlock, and husband Wesley, of Fort Worth, Texas; Jena Takemura of Spring, Texas; Lori Bevers and husband Bryan, of Fort Worth, Texas; and John Candler and wife Jamie, of Mansfield, Texas; her grandchildren Ashley Burleson and husband John, of Fort Worth, Texas; Chivas, Kennedy, and Evan Bevers; Ava-Lyn and Patrick Candler; and extended loving family and friends.

Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 24, at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger with funeral service following at 2:00 p.m.  Dr. David Mosser of Salado United Methodist Church will be officiating.  Social distancing will be practiced in the chapel and masks are optional.  Burial will follow at the Talpa Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, West Texas Boys Ranch, or a charity of your choice.

Mom, you completed your journey.  We love you and will miss you more than words can say.  You have given us gifts that are far more precious than anything in this world.  “Well done, good and faithful servant, come and share your master’s happiness” (Matthew 25:21).