The South Charleston community is mourning the passing of Chandler Steven Hayes, a 23-year-old known for his kindness, free spirit, and willingness to help anyone in need. Hayes passed away on October 29, 2025, at his residence in South Charleston.
Born on January 12, 2002, in South Charleston and raised in Boone County, Chandler was remembered as a compassionate young man who touched many lives. He attended Brookview and Nellis Elementary Schools and graduated from Sherman High School in 2021.
Hayes held several jobs throughout his young life but was most recently employed as a shift leader at Gino’s Pizza in Marmet, where coworkers described him as dedicated, friendly, and always ready with a smile. He was of the Protestant faith.
Chandler was preceded in death by his mother, Angela Barker-Hayes; grandfather, Basil Barker; and maternal great-grandparents, Arthur and Marjorie Johnson, along with Lorraine Marcum and Charles Lohrenz, whom he lovingly considered his grandparents and lived with for a time.
He is survived by his father, Eric Hayes of Ridgeview; brothers Ethan Hayes of Madison and Morgan Hayes of Nellis; maternal grandmother, Carol Barker of Nellis; and grandparents, Steve and Brenda Hayes of Ridgeview. Also surviving are uncles Kevin (Essica) Barker of Danville, Chris (Natalie) Adkins of Marmet, and Robert (Kristina) Adkins of Nellis; aunt Tressie Coleman of Ridgeview; and numerous cousins, extended family, and friends who will forever cherish his memory.
Those close to Chandler said he shared a particularly special bond with Kristina Adkins and cousins Timothy Carpenter, Jeffery Adkins, and Robert “RJ” Adkins, whom he affectionately called his “other brothers.”
Funeral services will be held at Handley Funeral Home in Danville on Friday, November 7, 2025. Public visitation will take place from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., followed by a service officiated by Stevie Cox at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Barker Cemetery in Ashford, WV.
Friends and family describe Chandler as “a light in every room” — a young man whose warmth, humor, and compassion will never be forgotten.