- Visitation
5:00 to 8:00 pm
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Meyer Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL.
- Service
Private committal service
- Full Obituary
Lt Col Richard L. Chapple, USAF Ret, 82, of Belleville, IL, born on June 30, 1932, in Lebanon, IL, passed away Friday, April 24, 2015, at Sycamore Village, Swansea, IL. He started his journey in life when his parents enrolled him as a member of the Cradle Roll Department of the Evangelical Sunday school in Lebanon, IL.
Rich graduated from McKendree College in 1953 with honors and a math degree. Rich proudly joined the United States Air Force in the spring of 1953 and served 28 exciting years. Rich took his meteorology training at A&M University at College Station, TX. He was now a weather forecaster, a weather observer, and was commander of a few weather stations throughout his assignments.
Rich participated in many important projects and given outstanding recognition for superb hard work in the First CARP Global Experiment (FCGE), the Global Weather Experiment. His last assignment was at Scott AFB, IL, as Director of Reconnaissance at Air Weather Service, which he really enjoyed. Rich returned in summer of 1981 and was given wonderful recognition in proudly serving the USAF. Among his treasures were many medals, plaques, and certificates of deserved appreciation.
With 19 years of retirement, he spent part time working for H&R Block. His hobbies were bowling (300-game), golf (hole-in-one), and fishing with his friends in his bass tracker.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Priscilla (nee Mayhill) Chapple, his brother, Ralph, and sister, Doris Freshlog.
Surviving are his loving wife, Phyllis J. (nee Battoe) Chapple, whom he married in May 31, 1954, in Lebanon, IL, at St. Paul Evangelical and Reformed Church; two children, Major (retired) William (Susan) E. Chapple, and Terry L. Chapple; four loving grandchildren, Steve, Eric, Branden, Brittany; and five great grandchildren.
Memorials may be given to Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund.
Visitation: Family and friends may call from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, Tuesday, April 28, 2015, at the Meyer Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL.
Funeral Service: A private family committal service will be on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, at the gravesite, with full military honors.
Clergy: Rev. Peter Wehrly, Pastor, 1st United Methodist Church, Lebanon, IL.
Meyer Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL.
