Bert Samuel Chamberlain

Bert Samuel Chamberlain, 91, of Dallas, Texas, entered his heavenly home on Easter morning, April 5, 2026—a meaningful reminder of the faith that sustained him throughout his life. Bert was born on December 6, 1934, in Hope, Arkansas, to the late Bert H. and Pearl W. Chamberlain. His younger sister, Betty, arrived just 16 months later, completing their family of six, which also included stepbrothers Hugh and Clyde Chamberlain.

Bert attended Hope High School, where he formed many lasting friendships and served as manager for both the baseball and football teams. He graduated in 1953 and immediately began his college education at Southern State College in Magnolia, Arkansas. The road to a degree was not an easy one. Due to financial constraints, he was forced to leave school, briefly putting his dream of a college education on hold. Not one to be deterred, he worked hard to return to his studies and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. These challenges helped shape him into the hardworking, humble, and grateful man we all knew.

Following his graduation—and at the encouragement of a good friend—he moved to Dallas, where he worked first in retail and then in banking before finding his calling in the insurance industry. He began his career as an underwriter at Trinity Universal Insurance Company before joining American Re-Insurance Company, where he worked until his retirement in 1998. There, he advanced from Facultative Underwriter to Vice President, though his favorite role was as a mentor to several who followed him in the company.

Moving to Dallas proved to be a great decision, as it was there he met the love of his life, Harriet. They were married in 1962 and built a beautiful life together, raising three children: Richard, Cindy, and Meg. Bert loved being a part of anything his children were involved in—every game, every band concert, every play. It didn’t matter the outcome; he was there, always present and always proud.

Along with raising a family, Bert valued deep and lasting friendships. Some of his most cherished times were spent around the card table with the men of the North Dallas Sporting Society, a poker group that, over more than 40 years, became like family.

Retirement brought grandkids—and a new name for Bert, “Papa.” Time in Papa’s backyard is a favorite memory for his six grandkids. Each fall, he would rake leaves into a huge pile into which they would jump. After many rounds of jumping, the leaves would scatter, the grandkids would protest, and Papa would patiently rake them back into a pile to begin the cycle again. When he wasn’t raking, he spent hours pulling them around the yard in his well-used gardening wagon—no small task. Days with the grandkids were exhausting, but he wouldn’t have changed a second. As the grandkids grew older, their activities increased, and once again, Papa was there—attending games, concerts, plays, Baptisms, First Communions, and Confirmations—always present and always proud.

In retirement, Bert and Harriet embraced a love of travel, sharing unforgettable adventures with friends and family. Some of their favorite destinations included Ireland, the Pacific Northwest,Victoria, BC, the Cayman Islands, the Canadian Rockies, and annual trips to the Gulf Coast and Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Bert found joy in life’s simple pleasures—daily newspaper comic strips, gardening, and golf were among his favorites, but fishing was his favorite of all. His love of fishing began in childhood, when his mother taught him to fish in ponds near their Arkansas home. That lifelong passion followed him into retirement, from catching the elusive “Old Claude” in Coon Rod, Arkansas, to fishing for salmon in the Pacific Northwest—one of which was later prepared for dinner by a chef friend! He also relished the days he spent with Harriet and friends at Lone Star Park, where he enjoyed watching the horses run. Bert had a lifelong love of horses and took every opportunity to be around them.

Bert loved watching sports and cheering on all Dallas teams, along with his beloved Arkansas Razorbacks. Nowhere was his loyalty more evident than in his support of the Texas Rangers. He spent countless hours cheering them on—a team that, historically, wasn’t the easiest to support—but he remained a faithful fan, rarely missing a game over the decades, all from the perch of his favorite green chair.

Community service was important to Bert. He jumped at the chance to setup and work at the annual Super Sale at his church. He not only volunteered but also loved to shop, finding one-dollar shirts and three-dollar jeans that he wore with pride—and that still hang in his closet. He and Harriet also served at Austin Street Shelter for more than 20 years. They enjoyed preparing meals together—hard-boiled eggs, tuna, and meatloaf sandwiches—all of which became crowd favorites at the shelter.

Bert is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Harriet; his son, Richard Chamberlain and his wife, Johanna Wood, of Bainbridge Island, Washington; his daughter, Cindy Boone of Dallas, Texas; and his daughter, Meg Adkins and her husband, Darrell, of Dallas, Texas. He is also survived by his grandkids: Lindsey Adkins, Quinn Boone, Ashley Boone, Taylor Adkins, Hailey Adkins, and Blake Adkins. He is also survived by his brother in law Bob Ayres and his wife Nancy, of Naples, Florida along with several nieces and nephews who loved him very much!

He was welcomed into heaven by his parents, Bert H. and Pearl W. Chamberlain; his sister, Betty Jordan and her husband Charles Jordan; and his brothers, Clyde Chamberlain and Hugh Chamberlain.

Bert lived a life defined by quiet strength, unwavering loyalty, and genuine kindness. A devoted husband, loving father, proud Papa, and steadfast friend, he carried himself with humility,warmth, and integrity. His life reflected the truth of the words written in Proverbs 21:21:“Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.”

A celebration of Bert’s life will be held in Hasley Chapel at St.Andrew Methodist Church in Plano, Texas, on June 6, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.

In the final months of his life, Bert was lovingly cared for by the doctors, nurses, aides, and therapists at The Madison on Marsh; the 6th Floor PCU staff at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano; the caregivers at Silver Haven Residential Home; and the staff of Merit Hospice. We are so grateful for their love and care.

Donations in memory of Bert may be made to:

Merit Hospice

8350 N. Central Expressway, Suite M1019 Dallas, TX 75206

or,

Austin Street Center

P.O. Box 710729 Dallas, TX 75371-0729

austinstreet.org