Obituaries

GARY CHAPPEL

Photo of GARY  CHAPPEL
Gary Max Chappel earned many titles in his 72 years: Husband, Pa, Daddy, Da-Da-Da, Grandpa, Bubber, and Friend. The beloved storyteller, historian, jokester, and cowboy died on April 19th at his home in Texarkana, Texas, with his wife and best friend Lee at his side, when his big heart failed. Chappel saw himself as a cowboy, a maverick. He was so much more than that, and we loved him. Born on a farm outside of Jonesboro, Arkansas, raised by loving parents Evelyn and Mutt, with his sisters Karen and Marilyn, Gary married his high school sweetheart Lee in 1965, sharing 52 wonderful years with her. They raised two children, Cody John and Summer Allison. Gary served in the Army National Guard during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1970. He attended Arkansas State University where he made the University Rodeo Team and earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural science in 1972. He pursued a career in ranch and livestock management, operating ranches in Arkansas and Texas. Working in Jonesboro, Russellville, and Texarkana, Chappel raised many a calf, wore through countless boots, mended miles of fences and won prizes in amateur team roping in his spare time. He later used his knowledge of livestock as a pharmaceutical representative for many companies, promoting bovine and equine health from Idaho to Mississippi. When he won the status of grandfather in 2006, he shifted much of his focus to educating Elle, Colin and Knox on the nuances of horses, tractors, dessert, and candy with special concentration on dipped ice cream cones. His grandchildren treasured him dearly. Gary learned the importance of paternal love from his Christianity which guided him personally, and he shared openly. A lifetime in the Baptist church gave him the confidence to pray with employees, family and many who shared his life. He is survived by his wife Lee, son Cody (Veronica), Beverly Hills, CA, and daughter Summer (Cory), Texarkana, TX, his beloved and adored grandchildren Elle Corinne, Colin Jon, and Knox Remington, who were his source of constant joy and laughter. He is also survived by two sisters Karen (Doyet) and Marilyn (Matt), and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his mother, father and infant sister Sara Ann. The family wishes to express their gratitude to dear friends Ricky and Mary Ann Boler, Texarkana's emergency responders, and the friends and family members who support them with their kindness. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Alliance of Texarkana in honor of his mother Evelyn Chappel or a charity of your choosing. Funeral services will be at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, April 24, 2018, in the atrium at First Baptist Church with Rev. Larry Sims officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery under the direction of Texarkana Funeral Home, Texas. The family will receive friends in the atrium from 12:30-2:00 Tuesday prior to the service.

Published April 22, 2018

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