Albert “Al” Chappel

Albert “Al” Chappel went to Heaven on March 15, 2017. At the time, he was in Mesa, Arizona, a place he referred to as “God’s Country”, enjoying his long winter vacation with his wife, Mary Frances, as they did every year. We are comforted in knowing that on this day he was reunited with his parents who themselves only recently made this same journey to Heaven.
Al and his parents, Raymond and Bernice Chappel, moved to Garden City from Monroe City, MO in 1947. He attended school at St. Mary’s, Garden City High School and Garden City Community College. Al also served in the US Army Reserves. Career-wise, in his younger days, Al was a Manager with Duckwalls and TG&Y (Wichita, Arkansas City, and Reidsville, NC). When he moved back to Garden City, he was co-manager of Garden Belle Lumber Co. and Builders Wholesale Supply Co. He later owned and managed numerous apartments in Garden City before retiring.
Al’s wife, Mary Frances, will miss him dearly as they were married for 46 years. Together, they have 4 children, daughters Jacque Daldegan, and Lisa and her husband Michael Southern; Sons Jerry and his wife Jeri, and Chris and his wife Michelle. Al has 13 grandkids and 3 great grandkids.
Al was always involved with his family and especially his grandkids who were his greatest joy. He spent a lot of time with them, taking them to Sonic, often multiple times a day, teaching them to drive, and driving through his favorite place the zoo. He always talked of his pride in his children and his grandchildren.
Al respected and adored his brothers and sisters, Bernard and his wife Marion Chappel, John and his wife Angelica Chappel, Tom and his wife Becky Chappel, Dixie and her husband Myron Mai, Mary and her husband Jim White, Debra Chappel, and Darla and her husband Cedric Jefferson.
Al had many friends and will be missed by all. He would especially want us to celebrate his friendship with Jerry Orebaugh. For those close to Al, life will be much different, as we will all miss him in many ways and in our everyday life. It may be a little easier at times knowing he is celebrating with us and serving as our Guardian Angel from Heaven.
Vigil service and rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Garden City. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 23 also at St. Mary’s with Fr. Charles Seiwert and Fr. James E. Baker as Celebrants. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Garden City. Friends may call from Noon to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Mary School in care of the funeral home.