Lawson Ernest Chappell

Lawson "Ernie" Chappell passed away on Friday, June 1, 2012 at the age of 87. He was born to Herbert and Vivian Chappell on March 6, 1925 in Gilbertown, Alabama.

He married Edith Helen Chappell on April 5, 1947 in New York City and they moved to Yuma, Arizona shortly thereafter. They were married 42 years and she passed away in August, 1989.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Billy and Aaron Chappell, and sisters, Katherine Reeves and Mary Chappell.

He is survived by his son, Tommie (Sylvia) Chappell and granddaughter, Kelsey Chappell, both of Yuma, and brothers, Dennis and Herbert Chappell, of Alabama, and sisters, Eula Jean Boykin, Mable Kahalley, and Colen Gibson, of Alabama, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ernie served in the U.S. Army during World War II and received an honorable discharge, and he was a member of the EI Zaribah/Masonic Lodge and the Elks. He was also a retired civil service employee and a car salesman, at one time owning Ernie's Auto Sales.

Graveside services will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 7, 2012 at Desert Lawn Memorial Park. Donations are suggested in Ernie's name to the Shrine Crippled Children's Travel Fund.