Randall Marion Chambers died suddenly December 6, 2007. Dr. Chambers was a space pioneer, formerly Chief Life Scientist for NASA. He developed and implemented research and training programs for the early astronauts in the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo projects. He became one of the worlds authorities in several areas of space research. he also had a second career as a Distinguished Professor Industrial engineering at Wichita State University and also taught courses in the human factor psychology program there. He was the author of several hundred scientific articles and was co-author of a space book about the early space program, "Getting Off The Planet" published by Apogee in 2006. He received numerous awards and honors for his work. He was a Fellow in a number of scientific organizations including The American Psychological Association, the Human Factors and Ergonomic Society, the American Association for the advancement of Science and the Washington Academy of Science.
Dr. Chambers was born in Vincennes, Indiana, on February 26, 1927, the only child of Frank and Elizabeth Chambers. He received a bachelors degree from Indiana University in 1948; a masters degree from University of Missouri in 1951 and the Ph.D.. from Case-Western University in 1954.
He is a veteran of service in the United States Air Force.
Survivors include Mary Jane, wife of fifty-eight years; sons, Mark Randall Chambers of Durango, Colorado; a daughter-in-law, Reyna Chambers and four grandchildren, Randall J., Cedric A., Sean A. and Sofia Amalia-Jayne Chambers.
Viewing and visitation will take place at Old Mission Mortuary. Friends and colleagues are invited from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
A Funeral Service will be held at University United Methodist Church, 2220 North Yale, Wichita, Kansas, or, one block east of Old Mission Mortuary, Thursday, December 13 at 1:30 p.m.
Burial will take place at Old Mission Cemetery. Graveside honors will performed by McConnell Air Force Base Honor guard.
A reception and time for sharing reminiscences will follow at the fellowship hall of University United Methodist Church, 2200 N. Yale.
Memorials have been established and may be sent to University United Methodist Church or the Dr. Randall M. Chambers Memorial Scholarship Fund at Wichita State University, c/o WSU Foundation, 1845 Fairmount, Box #2, Wichita, Kansas 67260.
A Full obituary will be released on this website when made available.