Bruce Chapman DeLess

Bruce Chapman DeLess, age 87, of Crossett, Ark., passed away on Sunday, November 29, 2015. He was born in Eugene, Oregon on January 27, 1928 to his parents, Lloyd Chapman and Mabel Dale Byrns DeLess. He graduated from Eugene High School in Oregon in 1945 and went in the Navy. After a short stint he returned to work at Georgia Pacific Plywood in Springfield, Oregon. He married Beatrice Josephine (Betty Jo) Hoyt in 1949. As a Navy Reservist, he was called back in to active duty in 1950 and served as a petty officer 3rd class in Yokosuka, Japan in ships store office until 1952. He was a salesman for Balfour-Guthrie Chemical Company until he came to Crossett, Ark. to work again for Georgia Pacific Corporation as quality control director for Plywood plants in Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas and Texas. He retired in 1993. He was involved in many organizations such as Tacoma Afifi Shrine Temple, board member of Ashley County Genealogical Society, board member of Plywood Pioneers Association, Crossett Masonic Lodge 576 for 57 years in 2015, Scottish Rite 32nd Degree; Crossett Port Authority member; Crossett City Council member Ward 3 – 1993 until 2004; Crossett Rotary Club President 1982 - 1983 (Paul Harris Fellow). He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and teacher of the Men's Bible Class. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Robert Byrns DeLess and Marion Dale DeLess. Survivors include his wife, Betty DeLess of Crossett, Ark.; one daughter, Candace Ann Jeffress (Jimmy) of Crossett, Ark.; two sons, Mark Chapman DeLess (Sharon), David DeLess; grandchildren, Jennifer Leslie Knod Mattgard (Lars), Mandy Michelle Lee (Phillip), Heather Rae Nicole DeLess, Robert "Bo" Howard (Lisa), Melody Johnson (Stephen), Whitney Hunter, Summer Robertson (Zach); great-grandchildren, Peyton Chapman Kyle, Mackenzie Johnson, Macie Johnson, Mallorie Johnson, Ryder Aaron Robertson, Rylan James Robertson, Corbin Lane Hunter, Lauren Elizabeth Hunter, Brady Cole DeLess, Charly Jane DeLess and Channing Rae DeLess. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at First United Methodist with Dr. Russell Moore officiating. Interment will follow at Pinewood Memorial Park under the direction of Jones Funeral Home of Crossett, Ark. (www.jonesservice.com). Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 12:30 p.m. until service time at the church. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 500 Main, Crossett, Ark. 71635; Alzheimer's Arkansas Program and Services, 10411 West Markham, suite 130, Little Rock, Ark. 72205 or Hospice Home Care, 990 Hwy 425 N, Monticello, Ark. 71655. Thanks to Hospice Home Care and Pinewood Health & Rehabilitation Staff.