Joel W. Chappell Jr.

Joel William Chappell, Jr. went on to meet his Savior on Wednesday, February 2, 2011. He was born on July 31, 1926 in Waco, Texas to Joel W. Chappell and Bobbie (Petree) Chappell. He grew up in Crawford and Fairfield, Texas. Joel enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age 17 after his high school graduation. He served in the Pacific theater of World War II. Joel attended Sam Houston State Teachers College (now University) in Huntsville, TX after his discharge from the Navy and there met the love of his life, Marian Jaap. They were both married and graduated from Sam Houston State University on May 28, 1950. Joel worked for several oil companies during his lifetime working as a petroleum draftsman. He and his family lived in Abilene, Amarillo and ended up in Midland, Texas for the past 50 years. Joel retired in 1986 after more than 30 years of faithful service to UNOCAL (Union 76 Petroleum). A talented athlete, in college and in his early working years, he played softball, and while on the Shell Oil team in the Midland Oil Leagues, played on the same team as the future president, George H. Bush. Joel was a talented steel guitar player and musician and played with several casual groups of musicians that often entertained for charity fund raisers, nursing homes, churches and similar venues. A creative songwriter, he composed a sizable collection of songs and hymns. He designed and personally constructed a steel guitar designed for a left-handed musician. He was predeceased by his father, mother, a precious sister, Jannette, an infant son, James Dale, and devoted son in law, John Conley. He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Marian Chappell. A son and his wife, Gary and Nancy Chappell of Midland, Texas; a daughter, Deborah Conley of Meadville, Mississippi, and his youngest daughter & her husband, Donna and Mike Metcalfe of Midland, Texas. One brother and his wife, Dudley & Shirlyn Chappell of Tyler, Texas. His grandchildren are: Joel Michael Chappell and his children, Scott & Katie, of Lewisville, TX; Jeremy Chappell and wife, Christy and their children - Matthew, Timothy & Casey of Midland, Texas; Theresa (Chappell) Cyphers and husband Paul of Midland. Philip Conley & his wife Angela and their children - John and Elisabeth of Dublin, Georgia; James Conley & his wife Jenny and their son, Levi of Crestview, Florida, Sarah Conley of Fort Smith, Arkansas; Christina Montague and her husband, Jonathan, and their daughter Cate of Prosper, TX; Curtis Metcalfe & Tiffany Boyls and their children - Lexie & Brooke of Midland, Marsye Metcalfe and Robert Metcalfe of Midland, Monty and Megan Morgan, and daughters Madeline and Mary Katherine of Bentonville, Arkansas, John and Chassity Cooper and children Gavyn and Callie, of Midland. He has 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. There will be a visitation with the family 2:00 to 4:00 on Sunday afternoon at Ellis Funeral Home on Andrews Highway. Funeral services will be conducted on Monday at 1 p.m. at Alamo Heights Baptist Church, with grandsons Elder Philip Conley and Elder James Conley officiating, with burial following at Rest Haven Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com. The family wishes to thank Doctors Dimri, Gurru, Olson, Patel, and Silva. Appreciation for Su Casa Home Health, all the wonderful nurses and staff at Manor Park, BCA Center, Midland Memorial Hospital and Hospice for all the care and attention that was given to our Dad. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joel Chappell's memory can be given to Hospice, Alamo Heights Baptist, Alzheimer and Dementia research, or the church or charity of your choice.