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Elder Chappel Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Elder Chappel
Mario Robledo
March 1, 2021
I grew up in Wasco and Vernon was my High School friend. We played music together and played jazz music for many years after High School. He will always be in my memory and he will always be my friend.
Sheila Evans
January 28, 2019
Vernon. It only seems like yesterday that we were laughing and singing and having so much fun together. I miss you SO MUCH. Wish we could have just 1 more laugh together. Until we meet again our memories will never be forgotten. Love you then, love you still. RIH
Cheryl Hosman
February 16, 2013
I was truly blessed to be able to say Vernon was a personal friend growing up in Wasco, we shared many laughs together, we all are blessed to have him as our angel watching over us. Till we meet again my friend.
Calvin & Catina Finch
February 15, 2013
Elder Vernon Chappel was truly a blessing in our lives,God used him to take me,my wife, and family praise and worship to a whole another level. Elder know that you touched a lot of lives on this earth, now that God is using you in the Heaven's now.God bless your family. Much Love,
Calvin&Catina
February 12, 2013
I will always love you Vernon. My family and I will cherish all the times you came to the house. You will be greatly missed.
Love you much,
Schronda Calip Williams and Family
Charlissa (Counts) Skinner
February 12, 2013
Dear Chappel Family,
You have been in my thoughts and prayers for weeks now. I wish I could have been home to celebrate the amazing life of Vernon at his services. I will never forget his laugh, his incredible gift of music - I can only imagine how the heavenly choir is rejoicing now that he's there to lead them! He was truly a special person - and friend of many. He will be missed until the day we meet again in the heavenly places with God!
Connie Hannah
February 12, 2013
My Mom~~Velma playing the tamborine! And Rita singing! With Vernon playing the key board. I can hear you now. The little Chappel Choir:)
Connie Hannah
February 12, 2013
I would CHERISH 4 EVER my pic w/Vernon in the obituary. That the Family thought; that much of me. I Will miss him Dearly!! His Photography:) Connie K. Hannah esq....
ROSEZETTA FRAZIER
February 12, 2013
I am still in such disbelief and shock to hear of the homegoing of my dear friend, Vernon! He gave such worship and praise to Jesus Christ until one could not help but to follow suit! My heartfelt sympathy and condolences go out to all family and friends connected to the life of such a wonderful individual. May we all strive to see Jesus' face one day as did he...
InnerCourt Christian Center, Pastor Ralph Godbee Jr.
February 11, 2013
To the Chappel family, River Church, Pastor Ronald Godbee & family, please know that our thoughts and sincere prayers are with all of you at this time. From Pastor Ralph Godbee Jr. and the entire InnerCourt Christian Center family.
I will miss you my friend, until we meet again...
LaRenia Heath Rider
February 10, 2013
Vernon's infectious laugh is what I'll remember. I haven't seen him in year's... A very special man, that loved what he did... He is with, Our Heavenly Father and all his Ancestors before him... My deepest sympathy and prayers are with you all at this time. God Bless. O:-)
Tonya Smith
February 10, 2013
Vernon you will be GREATLY missed! Although its been years since I've seen you, I will always have great memories laughing & talking with you back in the day at all the musicals, workshops, 3:00 programs(the list goes on & on), you're the best. My prayers to the Chapel Family. Love Tonya Smith.
Chris & Kathy Thompson
February 10, 2013
Our hearts are truly sad and we know that you are missing him more than we will ever know. Please know that you are in our prayers and in our hearts as we keep you lifted before the Father.
Joyce Barling Rey
February 10, 2013
To the Chappel family- Our love and prayers are with you. So many of us had the pleasure of such wonderful memories growing up with Vernon. From cheering the teams on to having us all laughing so hard our sides and faces hurt,to listening to that amazing voice, we will miss you dear friend. What a choice son of our Heavenly Father who used the talents God gave him to uplift and better the world. Truly the choir in Heaven sings sweeter with Vernon's voice accompanying. He set the standard high for us and led by example.
Wil Rhodes
February 9, 2013
Big bro,
You will be missed indeed. I certainly appreciated hearing from you just a week prior to your death telling me how proud you were of me and how God used me in worship. I certainly cannot fill your shoes but will strive to be as great. You are now singing with the angels where you belong. Love ya. RIP
Pastor Wilhelmina Leggett
February 9, 2013
See you in a little while friend!!
Glenda Rust
February 9, 2013
Troyce and family, So sorry for your loss.
Sue Roseberry
February 9, 2013
Vernon had a zest for life that was contagious. It caused people to be drawn to him and the God he served with such joy. While we will miss his physical presence, he left an indelible imprint in the lives of all who loved him and he'll live on in our hearts and minds. My thoughts, prayers and sincere condolences are extended to the Chappel family.
Wanda Young
February 9, 2013
Many Blessings to the Chappel family. Elder Minister Vernon Chappel known to so many of us as simply "Vernon" will truly be missed. My prayers have gone up for you. Your sister in Christ.
February 8, 2013
i will always remember Vernon as my best friend at High School and we will always be side by side playing our music, . . . Mario Robledo
Debra Martin
February 8, 2013
To the family of Minister Vernon, we all share your loss of your beloved family member. Absent from the body is present with the Lord. May you be blessed and comforted. D. Martin and Family
Janella Hairston
February 8, 2013
To the Chappel family: My deepest and most sincere condolences. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Psalm 116:15
Bonita Pollard
February 8, 2013
May God give you all peace & comfort during this difficult time. Elder Vernon was an awesome worship leader and a very nice man. He will be greatly missed.
Rhonda Day-Smith
February 8, 2013
Growing up in Wasco, you could not help but be blessed by knowing the Chappel family. Vernon never had a mean word for anyone. He was always smiles and love. Although I have not seen Vernon in many years, it hurts to know that we have all lost such a special friend. But our Heavenly Father has a plan for Vernon and we will all see him again one day. Praying for strength and comfort for all of the families.
Rose Marie Jones
February 8, 2013
To the Chappel, my dearest friends, please know my prayers are with you at this time! I rejoice and look forward to the day when we ALL GET TO HEAVEN - WHAT A HAPPY DAY THAT WILL BE! Minister Vernon is already rejoicing in the Presence of the Lord! I love you all. God bless you!
Lou Hosey
February 8, 2013
The Chappel family,with deepest sympathy I grieve with you and pray for strength in these trying times.I love you.
Pastor Derrick Phillips
February 7, 2013
To The Family and Friends of Elder Chappel,
Our sincerest and heartfelt condolences to you during this time. We all have experienced a tremendous loss that will never be replaced. Elder was able to capture our hearts like no one else can, and he will be missed greatly. His life was a living testament of how to praise and Worship our God without abandon. It is our prayer that the God of peace will bring comfort to you!
Bill and Marlene Kirby
February 7, 2013
To the Chappel Family: Our deepest sympathy to all of you at this very difficult time. We loved Vernon very much and he shared many evenings of music with our family and especially with our daughter Rhonda. They made a wonderful team and are together and rejoicing and singing favorite songs in heaven. We will always hold such precious memories of him.
Cathy Carter
February 7, 2013
My Sincere prayers for the Chappel Family, The Brady's and The River Family and the entire RFI Fellowship. Heaven has definitley gained an AWESOME Worship Leader. I will miss an AWESOME Mentor, Brother and Dear Friend. He has instilled so much in me and took me under his wing some 12 yrs ago. I will never forget him nor his vigor for life and worship. He was a true example of living a life of Worship and Praise. May God forever hold and keep you as you go through this very difficult time. I share in your loss. Bless You
Drue Venters
February 7, 2013
When we all get to heaven what a day of rejoicing it will be. I am saddened at my brothers passing, but I rejoice in the fact that we who BELIEVE will see him again. Chappel family find strength in knowing our GOD is in control. I love you all with the love of the LORD. Pastor Drue
Terri (Smothers) Hassett
February 7, 2013
I grew up in Wasco and went to school with Vernon and his siblings. My condolences to all of the Chappel and Leatherwood families.
Pastor M. Green
February 6, 2013
My deepest sympathy and sincere prayers at the passing of such a great man of God and friend.
February 6, 2013
TO THE FAMILY: Vernon shared so much over the years. I thank GOD for giving the talent to someone as close as Vernon was to family and the world. His support to the community of Wasco and Kern county, was so much. Each experience was like going to a concert to be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT. He became a real LEGEND. "THANK YOU VERNON".
GOD BLESS!
Your cousin,
M. Marie Demery Goree & family
Sheila Evans
February 6, 2013
To The Chappel Family: You all know just how much I loved and adored Elder Chappel. I am so very glad that he was a BIG part in my life. He was such an awesome Praise & Worship Leader. He lived the life that he sung about and that in itself deserves much admiration. He was truly a gifted and loving man of God. I wil miss him so much. My desire is to live the life so that I may see him again, where we can once again "REJOICE IN THE LORD TOGETHER !!!!!! You labored in the vineyard faithfully now you can take your rest. Until we meet agin , Love you always.
Jasmine Wallace
February 6, 2013
My condolences & sympathy to the Chappel family. May the peace of God comfort your hearts & minds. Elder Vernon's memory will live on through everyone of us who's lives he impacted!
My flashback memory: Unity In Praise '97... he really let us youth(at the time) go forth, and I am forever grateful for his belief in our gifts & talents when ministries like gospel rap, mime, praise & liturgical dance were considered somewhat controversial in Bakersfield. He promoted these gifts to the community & gave us confidence to walk in our callings. Thank you Elder!
He will be missed greatly!
February 5, 2013
To the Chappel Family. Please know that your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. Elder was a legend in his own right. There were sooo many services that he led us straight into the holy of holies through praise & worship at the River Church in Durham, NC. Elder Chappel will truly be missed. We love you Elder. Love Tyrone & Sonya Anthony & Makiya Rogers.
Janice Hagen Armstrong
February 5, 2013
Vernon was such a special person who accomplished much in his life. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers!
With Deepest Sympathy
Mary Flores
February 5, 2013
To The Family : I share in your grief for the loss of this Mighty Man of God. He was on fire for the Lord. His commitment never wavered. He would stir us up in such a way, that he put running in our feet. His motto was "No Christian left behind." He will truly be missed.
Felicia Maye
February 5, 2013
Elder Chappel had such a meek and sweet spirit and it broke my heart to hear of his passing.
I visisted with him each holiday, as he was always willing and ready to bake and made the most delicious peach cobbler that I have ever had. He will be missed!
Blessings and comfort to each of you,
February 4, 2013
Dearest Chappel Family,
Please know we grieve with you and am so sorry for your loss. We all have amazing memories of Vernon and rejoice with you that he is in heaven singing with the angels. Many hugs and prayers for you all. Jennifer Evans Altenhofel
June Adams-Grimes
February 4, 2013
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Vernon was truly a man of God. He is now singing with the angels. His work here on Earth is complete. God called him home to rest. While hearts ache, the heavens rejoice in knowing that he is at home with the Lord.
Gloria Patterson
February 4, 2013
To Mr. Virgil Chappel, All of Vernon's Siblings, Extended Family, classmates ,friends and his many Brothers & Sisters in Christ...near and far...
We are all better individuals simply because we all shared the Love of God through the gently spirit of whom we know as Elder & Minister Vernon Chappel. WE can never truly know the hurt you feel and the heaviness of your hearts in the passing of your Son, Brother and Nephew, Uncle,Cousin and adopted family friend. But you must know that the ENTIRE CITY OF WASCO FAMILY FEELS YOUR LOSS AND SUPPORT YOU AS WE DID YOUR SWEET MOTHER DORIS WHEN THE LORD REQUESTED HER PRESENCE IN HIS KINGDOM...JUST KNOW THAT PEACE IS WHAT IS AT HAND FOR VERNON 's MANNER AND DEPTH OF PRAISE WAS PROOF HE WAS READY NO DOUBT ABOUT IT...WE LOVE YOU ALL AND KNOW YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN YOUR GRIEVING. FOR WE SHALL MISS HIS BEAUTIFUL SPIRIT AND LOVING ATTENTION. VERNON MADE EVERYONE FEEL AS HE WAS THEIR BEST FRIEND WITH THE PATIENCE OF JOB.. HE ALWAYS TOOK TIME WITH EVERYONE. AND SO WE WILL BE THERE , LORD WILLING TO CELEBRATE ALL THAT HE ACCOMPLISHED AND ALL THAT HE STILL IS BECAUSE HE's EARNED HIS CROWN AND IS LIVING FOR ETERNITY IN HEAVEN WITH OUR FATHER ...AMEN Sending Much Love for you all and fervent prayer to comfort you.. As you bid Vernon farewell until time is no more.
February 4, 2013
He will be truly missed. He played the piano at my wedding in 1973.
February 4, 2013
Minister Chappel's smile and contagious laugh will be truly missed. The times we spent in Bakersfield Community Choir trying to get that note right will always be remembered, hard work but was memorable because those times were special. God bless the Chappel family and other connections. Until we meet in our Heavenly home. God Bless each of you, Rev. Angela Williams
Susan Smallwood
February 4, 2013
I knew Vernon from our Wasco Union High School Days. Vernon was the sweetest and most kind and I am not surprised that he became the man with all his accomplishments. He is truly to be admired and respected for his legend will live on. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Anita Gaston
February 4, 2013
Vernon's infectious laugh is what I'll remember. My deepest sympathys and prayers are with you all at this time.
Pastor Eddie Summers
February 4, 2013
Vernon was scheduled to minister in our church (Grace Assembly of God) the Sunday he was promoted to glory. We were shocked and saddened when we got the news that morning. But We worshiped God like Vernon would have wanted us to. Heaven came down! Thank you Vernon for your example of how worship should be.
Bryon Nikkel
February 4, 2013
To the Chapel family. Vernon was my best friend in high school. H4e taught me the Hammond B3 organ. I am in the ministry myself because of him.
Quincey Cunningham
February 4, 2013
To Elder Vernon's Father & Family, We are praying for you during this time. Elder Vernon loved God and we are so greatful that his path crossed ours.
Minister Quincey Jean Cunningham on behalf of Pastor Betty L. Steele & Love Fellowship Christian Ministries, Clinton, Maryland
Loretta Moore
February 4, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Tim Grays Sr
February 4, 2013
You will forever be in my Heart. No greater person I know who worship is for real...
Rev. Clabe and Wilma Wright
Wilma Anderson-Wright
February 3, 2013
I will miss Vernon's gospel voice of praise. I remember when he was a cheerleader at CSUB. We were all on campus working on different degrees. Bless his family during this time.
John Rodenburg
February 3, 2013
To the family of Vernon Chappel, my deepest sympathies regarding your loss. My brother and I attended many Bakersfield College football games during the 1970s and Vernon provided us with so much joy with his cheer leading routines. I also had the good fortune to hear Vernon sing with St. John's Baptist Church in concert and his singing voice was truly a gift from God. May your memories of Vernon comfort you during this difficult time.
Chris Tate
February 3, 2013
One day I will dance,...just as you did. One day I will shout,..just like you always shouted. One day i will rejoice...just as you taught me to. But for now, my soul bleeds. God knows, I miss you SO much! I keep staring into my phone at all of the many text messages, just WISHING I could get at least one more.. I will see you this Friday. I love you!
Carroll and Karen LaRue
February 3, 2013
So sorry for your loss you are in our prayers
February 3, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Mr. Chappel sang at my wedding 24 yrs ago, he was wonderful.
Pherm Wright
February 3, 2013
A very special man, that loved what he did. ..
He show me how I can get my best voice to be heard... I am forever grateful for all his teaching sessions, he gave our group..the studio time he waited on us when we were stuck on some part, he was so sweet. ... he was a stand up guy... God bless the family!!!
Tanya Dixon
February 3, 2013
Elder Vernon was such an awesome Man of God. His music workshops helped to shape my focus in music ministry. I will always be grateful. To his family: May the God of all comfort, comfort you in this time. I know that He will. I am praying for each and everyone of you. Blessings!
February 3, 2013
To all the Dear Family of Betty.
So sorry to hear of her passing we go
back lots of years.
We will be thinking of you all, we
will on a cruise.
Love,
Jack and Betty Holliday
Michael Trevino
February 3, 2013
His caring spirit was well known through out this County. We in Bakersfield CA will truly miss him. My Wife and I pray for all who were touch by him and we further pray for his family.
Vicki Hicks
February 3, 2013
To Judy and Family: Vernon left a legacy of Praise and Worship and a legacy of strong love for the Lord, family and friends. He will be missed. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. Your family have love and support from the Hicks Family.
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