Darrell S. Chappell

Darrell S. Chappell, 67, of Plainfield, passed peacefully from this life surrounded by his loving family while in the care of Life's Journey of Avon, due to complications from O.A.B. He was born in Pontiac, MI on January 20, 1956, to the late Roderick and Martha (Largent) Chappell.
One of four children, Darrell was the only son and twin brother to his sister, Diane. Originating in Michigan, when he was just a toddler, the family packed up and headed west to the sunny climate of California so his father could gain employment. At 11 years young, they came back east, landing in Broad Ripple, where Darrell attended high school and was a talented athlete participating in cross country. A master at karate, he fought in the semi pro's traveling to five states for competitions. Later in life and with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, he attended Marion University, Aenon Bible College, and IUPUI.
In 1973, he proudly joined the United States Navy, serving as a Coxswain and Bluenose during the Vietnam War. While stationed overseas he was afforded opportunities to begin living his life boldly, traveling across several European countries, ate the best sandwich ever in France, spent time in Greece during the Cold War in a bar with Russians, as well as traveling to Japan where he bravely climbed Mt. Fuji. Upon discharge from the Navy, Darrell then enlisted in the United States Army as a Drill Sargeant during Desert Storm, serving his country for a total of 21 years.
In 1978, he met a pretty young girl and the love of his life, Shirley. The two were happily united in marriage on July 28, 1979, and were blessed with three wonderful daughters. Immersed in family life, he never missed any of his daughters' activities and frequently chaperoned their field trips. Always up for an adventure (and planning the next one within 2 days of returning home), the family enjoyed camping at Mammoth Cave National Park, exploring the caverns and canoeing, along with trips to the Smokey Mountains. Family game night was a must, day trips to Brown County just for ice cream was a treat loved by all, and nothing made him happier than the annual family outing to the apple orchard.
Involved in numerous management and business capacities for logistics and insurance, Darrell was a talented insurance agent for his two businesses Chappell Insurance Agency, along with HSM Insurance (named after his grandchildren) devoting 30 years of his life to the industry. Blessed with the gift of music and the ability to strum out a melody on a guitar, his last three years of employment was with Guitar Center.
A devoted and faithful member of LifeWay Apostolic Church, Darrell remained deeply involved in church activities throughout the years, teaching Sunday school and Bible studies, driving the bus, serving as a Pastor and Youth Pastor for the First Friendship Church, and ministerial team at Apostolic Bible Church. Near and dear to his heart, he served as a board member for The National Kidney Foundation, along with coaching volleyball for their Olympic Team.
In June of 2005, his twin sister selflessly gave Darrell the ultimate gift of life by donating a kidney, enabling him to have 17 more years of life on this earth. A mere 7 months later he completed the mini marathon, showing the world just how much strength and perseverance he held. Known as a human GPS, he could find his way around without a map, even in Japan! Finally afforded the opportunity to fulfill his lifelong desire to pilot a plane, he was endowed with an hour-long session, making his dreams come true.
A truly loving and devoted patriarch, Darrell continuously put family and church first, no matter how much pain he was in. Loyal and honest, he was sometimes stubborn and frequently fierce, grabbing life by the horns and making it his own adventure, and what an adventure it was. He claimed to be a quick learner, but it is a well-known fact that the Navy sent him to the firefighting school 7 years in a row. A true coffee drinker, he usually left home in the middle of the night to acquire his favorite beverage. A wealth of useless knowledge, he also adored military history, especially WWII and The Civil War.
Darrell Chappell left this world all too soon, but in his 67 years here, he made every second count. With a life of extraordinary adventures, he lived life well and loved deeply, believing there was no challenge too large to tackle. He leaves a legacy of light, love, and determination, and if he taught the world anything, it was to live your life to the absolute fullest and without regret. He will be forever remembered and utterly missed.
Along with his parents, Darrell was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle Dickerson.
He leaves behind his loving wife, Shirley A. (Burt) Chappell of Plainfield; daughters, Rebecca Coffey (Mark), and Stephanie Chappell (Rodney), all of Mooresville; sisters, Mary Harper (Dave) of Lebanon, Diane Martin (Larry) of Thorntown, and Elizabeth Welcher of Indianapolis; cherished grandchildren, Hannah and Sarah Dickerson, Myah Chappell, and Matthew and Benjamin Coffey; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. Friends and family are invited to gather for visitation on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, from 4pm until 7pm at LifeWay Apostolic Church, 7754 Cobblesprings Dr., Avon, IN 46123. An additional hour of visitation will be held at the church on Thursday, October 12, from 11am until a Celebration of Life Funeral Service that will begin promptly at 12pm. Pastor Tim Bryan will officiate, and burial will follow in Fairfield Cemetery with full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to LifeWay Apostolic Church c/o the Darrell Chappell library Fund. To share a favorite story, sign the online guest registry or light a candle in his memory, please visit his tribute page at www.lightmemorial.com.