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Howard Ray Chappelle
01/06/1938 — 12/07/2009
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Lead Hill, Arkansas
Howard Ray Chappelle
Howard Ray Chappelle January 6, 1938 – December 7, 2009
Howard Ray Chappelle, son of late Hyrum Vernon and Cora Avo Chappelle, lost his courageous battle with Mantle Cell Lymphoma on December 7, 2009 surrounded by his loving family.
Howard was born in Leadhill, Arkansas January 6, 1938 and moved with his family to the Tri-Cities in 1948. After graduating from Richland High School in 1957, he joined the United States Air Force stationed at Lackland Air Force Base and served for eight years. In January 1958, he was transferred to Castle Air Force Base in Merced, CA. He married his high school sweetheart, Denice Gord on February 14, 1959. While serving 8 years, he was also stationed in Iceland and Michigan and returned home to the Tri-Cities July of 1965. Shortly thereafter, he went to work for Boise Cascade where he worked for 36 years as the lead chip unloader until retiring in 2001.
Howard is survived by his wife, Denice of nearly 51 years; his sister, Cathryn Hodgin and husband, Don; brother in law Curt Gord and wife, Sally; daughters Cathy Adkisson and husband Doug; Tami Tayamen and husband, Steve; and Vikki Ballew and husband, Rob; grandchildren John, Gina, Danny, Kelsey A, Kristen, Lindsey, Kelsey C, Hailey, Haylee, Josh and Donny, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Howard never met a stranger and was loved by everyone he met. He was proud of his family, friends, military service and neighborhood. He loved working on cars, camping, gardening, riding motorcycles and being with his loved ones. Howard also enjoyed being a member of the PT Cruiser Club, hanging out with his work-out buddies and playing silly pranks on his grandkids and neighbors. His smile and charisma were magnetic. He made an impact on everyone whose life he touched, and we will forever cherish the stories and memories we shared with him.
The family would like to thank the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Kadlec Oncology Nurses and associated staff, and the outpouring of support, prayer chains and well wishes from all over the country. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in Howard's name.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 9, 2009 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Einan's at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Services will be held Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Einan's at Sunset Memorial Gardens; 915 Bypass Hwy; Richland, WA.
Rest in His arms forever.
George
Dee, We were so sorry to hear about Howard. We only found out a few days ago. Howard was such a good friend to my brother Danny, he always called me his brother’s sister and always sent me a bday card since our birthdays were only a day apart. We knew him as a teenager and he was my brother’s best friend. He’ll be missed by all that knew him.
Kay & Paul Hammitt & Family
I am very saddened to hear of Howard’s passing. As his first cousin, it is sad that another link in the family chain will be missing. I know he lived a full and happy life with wonderful family and friends. He has been blessed in this life, and will be blessed in the eternities by reuniting with so many loved ones. I personally envision his parents and all the Chappelles wrapping him in their arms, and laughing and smiling, so happy to see him. Love and Sympathy to Dee, the girls, Vernona, and all the family.
You are in our prayers. We love you.
Sorry to read of howards passing. Howard smile and laughter will be missed by all who new him. My prayers and thoughts go out to the family.
Joel Hubbell
Dee and family: I’m SO sorry about Howard’s passing. Even tho I didn’t see you both very often, I was always impressed with Howard’s friendliness and cheerful attitude. I’ll always remember hearing him yelling words of encouragement to me at Cool Desert Nights as I tried my best to do the Slow Drags. He truly will be missed. Love, Pauline
We were saddened today to hear about Howard. I was hopeful that he was doing well. I am so glad that we had the time at the little reunion a few years ago to be with you all when Mom and Uncle Don were still alive. Our thougths are with you all. From another first cousin.
Dee and Sis,
Sorry to learn of Howard’s passing. He and I always had a good time when we were together as kids. I am so glad I got to see him in ’96 when we came to Washington. Howard was always cracking jokes, and could laugh at himself. He was a great cousin.
So long Howard, knowing you and being related to you was a great ride. You have earned your rest.
We feel honored and fortunate to have known Howard. He was a very noble person and a good friend. We’re going to miss his charm and personality.
Howard was a “gentle giant” & will be missed greatly. Our prayers & thoughts are with his family.
Jerry Podesek & Colleen
Howard your smile will be greatly missed by the world. You were a great guy and loved by all.
Brad Hagerman and the crew!
To the Howard family,
We are praying for you all at your time of great loss.
The Gord’s and Nicholson’s lived next door on Snow Street for many years. I met Howard when Dee first started seeing him. What a great person he was, even as a young man. I’ll never forget Howard throwing “passes” and playing football with Curt and I, and all the neighborhood kids.
I hooked up with him again as he and I both workd at B.C. in different capacities. My wife Connie and I saw Howard and Dee out and about quite a few times before she passed away in 2003. He was always so proud of his family and smiling and laughing as always.
We feel for the entire family but especially for Dee.
Dee remember that you’ll never get over his loss but you can get through it. Lean on the Lord with all your heart and HE will be faithful.
Love, Max, Drudeana, and Carol Ann
Chappelle Family,
We were saddened to hear about the passing Mr. Chappelle. Although we only had a chance to meet and interact with him during his visit to Cathy and Doug’s home in Lexington, it was a joy talking with him and sharing a laugh or two. To Doug and Cathy, please know that our pray is that God will continue to grant you “peace that passes all understanding.” For truly you have been blessed with a great father and father-in-law, a gift that should always be treasured.
Daryl, Rhonda, Landon and Langston Love
To the Chappelle family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your father, husband, grandpa, etc. Having spent quite a bit of time while growing up in the Chappelle home I was always made to feel like part of the family. There are no words that will make things better or easier at this time and the hurt is like nothing that can be described. Just know that he loves each and every one of you, and he knows that you love him too. Hold on tight to each other and draw that support from your family it truly helps.
Dearest Dee and Family, We were so sorry to hear of Howard’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the whole family. May God give you comfort and peace knowing he is no longer suffering. We thought so much of Howard and respected him greatly and will miss him.
Sincerely, Troy and Vicki
Many years ago when Merry and George Valdez moved back to the Tri-Cities we had the honor of meeting Howard and Dee through George’s brother John Valdez and his wife Jean. They were friends with Howard and Dee, and they used to gather at each others homes along with Mike and Zella Paris for an evening of fun. We were honored when we were invited to one of their gatherings. As years passed, George worked in the Training area on the Hanford site and had the pleasure of meeting Howards now grown daughter Vikki who also worked as a Training Specialist. Over the years we had the opportunity to meet all their children. What a beautiful family Howard and Dee raised. Merry and I wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family.
George and Merry Valdez
My thoughts and prayers are with the Chappelle family during this difficult time.
I grew to know Howard well during our late night chats while he was in the hospital receiving chemotherapy. I will miss seeing him at the “club” each morning. It always seemed that no matter what obstacles life threw his way, he always had a smile and reassuring laugh. I know he is now at peace and no longer in pain. May you rest in peace Howard and perhaps one day we can share a “slurpee” and another one of our nice long talks. I will miss you.
To the Chappelle Family
I was very sad to hear of Howards passing. He was a very dear friend to many. I got to know Howard at the mill. He treated me like one of his own and found time to spend a few moments with me during his chip unloading. He even showed me how to get loose items from inside the trucks by hitting this big red button jerking everything upward.
God give comfort to his family and as they will be in my prayers.
Aunt Dee,
We are sorry to hear about Uncle Howard we are going to miss him. He was a very loving person and cared about everyone. My dad brings up Howard everyday telling me some of the adventures that they had done and probabley some stress for you. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
The Crabtree’s
Daniel Howard Crabtree
Guestbook for
Howard Ray Chappelle