Derrick (DC) Chandler was born on June 22, 1984, to the union of Ezekiel Chandler and Dorothy Chandler in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was the youngest of five siblings.

Derrick accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by Reverend Larry Bradley at Greater Canaan Missionary Baptist Church. He was a faithful member who sang in the youth choir, adult choir, male chorus, Six Choir Union, and volunteered as a teacher for Vacation Bible School. He was also a member of the local gospel group, The Gospel Stars, where he ministered in song alongside his father throughout Cincinnati.

Derrick began his education at Bramble Elementary School and graduated from Withrow High School, Class of 2002. He attended Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, where he earned his Associate of Applied Science degree in PC Support and Administration in 2007. He later attended the University of Cincinnati, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in IT Networking Systems in 2021. He had been employed at the University of Cincinnati since 2011. His most recent promotion was in 2024, when he received his new title as ERP Systems/Applications Administrator. He was also a member of the University of Cincinnati's Young Black Professionals Organization.

Derrick's hobbies included singing (karaoke), swimming, cooking, dancing, writing poetry, learning history (always quoting random fun facts), playing pool (a member of the American Poolplayers Association with his team, "Let's Go Home/Hit It," ranked first in the city, where he earned MVP honors), and spending time with family and friends. He had a gift for bringing joy and laughter to any situation and possessed an infectious smile that could light up any room. As a constant learner, Derrick always sought ways to improve himself physically, mentally, and spiritually, inspiring others along the way. He was a diehard Bengals fan and proudly represented his favorite team. He was a beloved son, brother, coworker, and friend. Most importantly, he loved the Lord with all his heart.

Derrick departed this life on December 30, 2025, at the age of forty-one. He was preceded in death by his oldest brother, Ezekiel Dewayne Chandler, and his nephew, Sean Michael Ellis.

He leaves to cherish his memory his parents, Ezekiel and Dorothy Chandler; his sisters, Connie (Robert) Ellis and Joyce Chandler; his brother, Morris Chandler; honorary sisters Sharma Jones, Rannie Wiggins, Cynthia Swain, Sabrina Smith and Sharon Glover; nieces Samira, Courtney, Sasha and Christina; nephews Robert Jr. and Emory; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, family, and friends.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 9:00 am until 10:00 am, on  Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Greater Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, 7181 Reading Road, Cincinnati  (45237).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation,  beginning at 10:00 am. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy he leaves behind.

He will be laid to rest at Walnut Hills Cemetery, 3117 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Chandler family. Please click the "Tribute Wall" icon above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory  is caring for the Chandler family during this difficult time.  Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.