Don Chappell

Don Alvin Chappell Don Alvin Chappell passed away on October 7, 2013 in Austin Texas. He was born March 30th, 1933 in Burlingame, Kansas, the only child of Doris and George Jack Chappell. He attended the University of Kansas but stopped short of getting his accounting degree to get married and start a family. He met the love of his life, Evelyn Needels, married in 1952 and they just celebrated 60 happy years together. Don worked his way through the Santa Fe Railroad accounting department and eventually became Asst. Vice President of Accounting. He retired in 1989 but not for long. Don and Evelyn moved to Austin Tx, and Don became a partner in a furniture refinishing business. Don enjoyed antique collecting and he and Evelyn had several antique booths in Fredericksburg and Elgin. He also loved vintage toys and had quite a collection. He was crazy about the Kansas Jayhawks, especially the basketball team. Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk! But most of all, Don loved his grandkids and rarely missed any of their events! Don is survived by his wife, Evelyn, four sons: Doug Chappell and wife Linda, of Arizona, granddaughters Pam Chappell of Chicago, Vicki and Brendan Jennings of Arizona, Don's other three sons live in Austin: Steve Chappell, wife Anne, grandchildren Joe, Dan and Sarah (Don got to see Sarah marry Cole Shelton this Sept.), Ken Chappell, wife Kathy, grandchildren Jessica and Andrew; George Chappell, wife Teresa, grandchildren Ashley and Michael. and 2 great grandchildren; Felicity and Aiden Jennings of Arizona. All will deeply miss their husband, father and grandfather who was a guiding light for the family by showing how to be a success in business but also make family a priority. Don enjoyed reading and crossword puzzles. He never missed an opportunity for a witty comment and was always mentally sharp! The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff of Buckner Villas and Hospice Buckner for the loving care given to Don during the last few weeks of his life. A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 26th, at 3:00 pm, at Cook Walden, 9700 Anderson Mill, Austin Tx. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Hospice Buckner, 11110 Tom Adams, Austin, TX 78753. A memorial guestbook is available online. Don Alvin Chappell