Steven Barney Chappell

1961 - 2025

Steven Barney Chappell

August 4, 1961 - July 31, 2025

Merced, California - Steven Chappell "Steve O'Beave" to absolutely everyone passed away peacefully on July 31st, with his family close by. He was comforted by his favorite stuffed toy dog, Charlie, and his loving caregiver, Sylvia. He was 63 years old.

Steve was born with Down syndrome and a level of enthusiasm the rest of us could only aspire to. He lived life in all caps LOUDLY, joyfully, and with full commitment to anything worth celebrating (birthdays, parades, Olympics, chocolate ice cream, you name it).

He knew everyone's birthday. Not just family. Not just friends. We're talking dentists, mail carriers, neighbors, and a random guy named Chuck who fixed the cable in 2009. He was born on August 4th, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii, and if you were a new friend, he would make sure you knew this fact, over and over again.

He loved animals of every kind especially dogs, especially kitties, and especially the ones on TV. He was known to bark at the garbage truck every Thursday, much to the joy of the dog and the confusion of the garbage men. He felt it was his "duty." And maybe it was.

Steve was a super fan of the Olympics, all of them. Summer, winter, torch-lighting ceremonies, bobsledding, rhythmic gymnastics, curling he loved it all. He watched every event like it was Game 7 of the World Series. And don't even try to talk to him during the parade of nations, that was sacred time. He loved the Dallas Cowboys, Tony Romo, and all things football, too.

He adored Grease and The Sound of Music, often performing impromptu mashups like "Hopelessly Devoted to Maria." He could out-sing, out-dance, and out-quote the entire household, and routinely declared himself "Danny Zuko with better moves."

Steve never missed a parade. If there was a float, a band, or a guy dressed as Uncle Sam handing out candy, he was there. Preferably in a lawn chair with binoculars and a flag.

His parents, Raid and Dorothy Chappell, were pioneers in special education, contributing to start John F. Kennedy School and Howard Training Center in Modesto, California, in 1963.

Steve was 27 years old when his parents died, and so he moved in with his oldest sister and 2 nieces to Merced. It was only supposed to be for a trial period of 5 years, but it quickly turned into 30 years.

Steve attended Kingsview work experience center in Merced and brought home his first paycheck. He was so proud to be a regular working dude, with a lunch pail and thermos. Every day, he faithfully packed his own lunch in his fancy backpack/lunchpail and waited in front of the house for his special bus. All passersby got a wave. After work, he'd do his chores, have a beer, and watch TV. He had a grand old life.

He is survived by his siblings Sue Chappell, Ann Barbeiro, Lani Parks (Tom) Rob Chappell (Christy), who all took turns caring for him after his parents died. He was an uncle to 6 nieces and 1 nephew, and 13 great nieces and nephews.

He had the privilege of living with his niece, Karly, and her family the last 3 years of his life. He was Uncle Steve to them and they considered him a magical mix of best friend, best audience, and comedy act; always ready to welcome with a hug or "My G" secret handshake created by him and great nephew, Clayton.

Steve is now reunited in heaven with his Mom, Dorothy, where we suspect the two of them are marching in a heavenly parade (no wheelchairs needed now), complete with flags, music, and Olympic-level cheering.

A private celebration will be held for family and close friends, and his ashes will probably be spread in Hawaii.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Special Olympics, your local animal shelter, or just be unreasonably excited about something today. That's what Steve would do.