Dennis Chappell

Dennis K. Chappell, born May 24, 1944 in Stuttgart, AR, passed from this life in his home in Bolivar MO, surrounded by family on September 22, 2016, aged 72 years old, after a brief illness. Dennis was a local business man, being one of the original partners of Proctor-Jarvis-Chappell Insurance Agency, later to do business as PJC Insurance of Springfield, MO. Innovative in all areas of life, and unwilling to accept the status quo in his pursuits, Dennis pushed for increased technological advances throughout his successful career, allowing him to enjoy the comfort provided through aviation, as an accomplished pilot and also to live on, and be a principle owner of, Silo Ridge Golf & Country Club in Bolivar, MO, where many hours were spent in his retirement years, perfecting his game. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Dennis left behind a legacy of hard work, quick wit, and a kindness and generosity for which those who knew him will be ever thankful. Preceded in death by his parents, Maurice J. and Mattie Ella Jean (Crafton) Chappell, Dennis is survived by his wife Carol M. Chappell, six children: Lisa (and husband Jeff) Etheridge of Albany, GA; Darin (and wife, Carole Ann) Chappell of Bolivar, MO; Julie (and husband Brian) Ross of Anthem, AZ; Eric Chappell of Kansas City, MO; Randy (and wife Pam) Israel of Republic, MO; and Kara (and husband Dwight) Amstutz of Springfield, MO; sixteen grandchildren: Melissa (and Kyle) Roberts, Rachael (and Richard) Nuskind, Sarah (and Wil) Shrable, Evan Etheridge, Matt Engert, Ryan Israel, Clayton Chappell, Kayleigh Amstutz, Natalie Etheridge, Patrick Ross, McKenna Ross, Kamryn Amstutz, Miranda Israel, Marissa Israel, Dawson Amstutz, and Drew, Amstutz; three great-grandchildren: Mattie Shrable, Hadley Roberts, and Nora Shrable; five siblings: Daryl Chappell, Steve Chappell, Vicki Smith, Marcia Mayfield, and Marty Chappell; many cousins, nephews and nieces, and far too many friends to count.

A Memorial Service for Dennis, in celebration of his life, will be held at Silo Ridge Golf & Country Club, 4551 Fairway Drive, Bolivar, MO, on Saturday, October 1st, at 4:00 p.m. Family and friends are encouraged to attend and reminisce, however, in lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated being offered to the Central Care Cancer Center of Bolivar - 1501 N. Oakland Ave., Bolivar, MO 65613; Oxford Healthcare Hospice Fund/CoxHealth Foundation - P.O. Box 8131, Springfield, MO 65801-8131; the local Red Cross; or the local Salvation Army.

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Published by News-Leader on Sep. 28, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Chappell

Sponsored by Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar.

3 Entries

anicka nickolee rios

September 17, 2025

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

March 8, 2025

he lives on in the icon that is his granddaughter Kayleigh Amstutz, better known as Chappell Roan :D

Pat (Sharp) McKinnis

September 25, 2016

I have been mindful of Dennis every day since I learned of his illness. The fact he has not been in pain throughout this ordeal is a relief and blessing. Since our 50th class reunion and with internet connections, we have chatted on a few occasions and I have enjoyed knowing Dennis even better than our casual acquaintance when in school together. Dennis was so happy about his family and their prospects for the future. We talked about a high school teacher, Miss Carter, who had advised Dennis to focus on learning to type. She encouraged him to apply himself and perhaps his skills would keep him off the battlefield. Surprisingly, it did just that. He spent his military career in an office and out of combat. He said Miss Carter was one of his favorite teachers.

I will miss hearing from Dennis. He had the ability to visit as only old friends can, with candor and humor. His chuckle was always cheerful. As much as I enjoyed our conversations, I can only imagine how much his immediate family is already feeling a profound void every day. It is my hope that comfort and peace will continue to surround each of them. I know they are a powerful family with admirable strength and faith. God bless them as they use their wisdom to guide others through tough times as a result of their experiences with Dennis.

Thank you for keeping us all close to your heart by sharing your thoughts often. We were all wanting to be kept abreast of happenings. Your notes were always positive and succinct with heartfelt emotions. You did a good job with an unfortunate circumstance. You wanted to make your Dad proud and I can tell you that you were very successful. Any parent would be pleased with your maturity and love.

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