Virgle Lee Chappell, Sr.
1927-2020
Virgle Lee Chappell, Sr. went to be with the Lord on March 2, 2020. He was born on February 24, 1927 in Ellis Co., OK. Virgle was the son of Leon and Merl (Hamilton) Chappell.
Preceded in death by his parents, brother, Leon,, Sisters Joan Miller and Dessie Bowman.
While attending high school in Laverne, OK world war 11 was raging, and before completion of his education he volunteered for United States Naval Service. During the war Virgle served as a Radar Operator on two different ships: The SS Marshal Victory and the USS Pitt (APA-223) a cargo and troop ship. Crossing the Atlantic, his first assignment was to Le Havre, France, then two trips across the Pacific to Saipan and the Island of Tinian, then to Nagoya, Japan.
Virgle earned a BS from OBU and a Master’s Degree from the Univ. of Okla. After moving from Waynoka, OK to Amarillo, TX he prepared and relocated again to Ft. Worth, TX to enter Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary receiving a second Master’s in religious education.
After discharge from military service, Virgle enrolled at OBU where he earned a BS degree in mathematics and in 1949 began teaching in Waynoka, OK. While teaching in Waynoka continuing education led to a Master’s degree from Univ. of OK. In the mid-50’s while teaching in Amarillo, TX he began to prepare for Pioneer Mission work and relocated to Ft. Worth, TX to enter Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Virgle and Lois Rolf were married in 1944 in Ashland, KS.
They were assigned to northern, IL where no Baptist work had existed for many years. After 13 years of development a church building was completed, and a church established.
After resignation from the church the remaining years of Virgle’s life was spent in mobile communications.
Virgle and Kay (Mills) were married June 9, 1975 in Canyon, TX and resided in Edmond, OK for forty-four years.
Survivors include: wife, Kay; son Lee Chappell, Jr. (Joann), Ron Chappell; daughters; Rosemary (Verne) McCabe, Crista (Brett) Jackson; stepson Richard Hensley, stepdaughter Lisa Hensley (Rob) Tucker. Twenty-Four grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Love and blessings to Duane Tutor and Carl Schwab for their fellowship and help to Virgle over the years. All our love to the most caring VA nurse, Annette, our beloved (another daughter) that we were so grateful for taking care of Virgle.
One of Virgle’s hobbies was to study and research family genealogy, but his passion in life was to study God’s Work, love for his family and fellowship with other Christians.
Visitation will be at Matthew’s Funeral Home, Edmond, OK. on Thursday, March 5th between 5-7 p.m.
Celebration of life will be Friday, Mar. 6th at 1pm at First Bapt. Church, Edmond, OK. Interment to follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Edmond, OK.