Sheldon was born November 10, 1931, in Tropic, Utah, to William LaVon Chappell and Fern Maxfield. He graduated from South Emery High School, where he lettered in baseball, track, and basketball, and attended Carbon College. A talented athlete, sports remained his lifelong passion.
On May 25, 1951, Sheldon married the love of his life, Irene Huntington, in the Manti Temple. Throughout their 74 years of marriage, they were completely devoted to one another, making their home in Millcreek, Utah, where they spent many happy years together. Sheldon worked for AT&T as a long-distance communication supervisor.
Sheldon held many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as a bishop and actively serving as Stake Patriarch for 22 years. He and Irene also served an LDS mission together to the Canada Halifax Mission where he served in the mission presidency.
His family was the most important thing to him, and he was a wonderful father to his children, always cheering them on throughout their lives. He blessed the lives of all who knew him, serving with a cheerful and humble heart. His life was a testament to his love of our Savior.
Sheldon is survived by his beloved wife, Irene; children Dean (Jacquie), Colleen (Tom), and Michael; 13 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings Craig Chappell, Dick Chappell, and Neva Hutchings. He was preceded in death by his great-grandson, Mack Chappell, and siblings Flora Chestnut, Aldus Chappell, and Terry Chappell.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Canyon Rim Stake Center. A viewing will be held Friday, January 2, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Memorial, and Saturday, January 3, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the stake center prior to services.
"His Journey’s Just Begun" by Ellen Brenneman
Don’t think of him as gone away
his journey’s just begun,
life holds so many facets
this earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of him as living
in the hearts of those he touched…
for nothing loved is ever lost
and he was loved so much.
