Donald Lee Chappell

Donald Lee Chappell, 92, of North Little Rock, passed away August 6, 2020, with his wife of 70 years, Virginia, at his side. He was born in Hillemann, Arkansas, to Frank and Daisy Chappell. He graduated from McCrory High School in 1946 and played on their first football team. He married Virginia Thrift in 1950 and was engaged in farming with his father. He was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War in 1952 and served in the 1st Calvary Division, 5th Regiment 61st Artillery Battalion. He finished his service in 1954 as a sergeant. The Army experience never left him and he could tell you story after story never missing a detail. After discharge from the Army, Donald started his own farming operation with Virginia by his side. Donald farmed continually until 1992, adding his son, Dewayne, in the operation in 1978. Donald and his family were Woodruff County Farm Family of 1978 and in 1985 No Till Farm of the Year. The farming tradition has continued to the next generation with grandsons Adam and Seth Chappell. Donald was an avid hunter and fisherman. Many hours were spent quail, squirrel, duck and deer hunting with friends and family. Donald was currently a member of Levy Baptist Church in North Little Rock. He was a deacon for many years in Cotton Plant, Des Arc, and McCrory First Baptist churches. He served as a Gideon for over 40 years. Donald served as a board member of Baptist Children's Home in Monticello from 1979-1985. Donald is survived by his wife Virginia; his son, Dewayne Chappell (Nancy) of Des Arc; his daughter, Coleen Siitonen (Paul) of Little Rock; grandson Adam Chappell (Andi) of North Little Rock; grandson, Seth Chappell (Emily Bass) of Des Arc; grandson, John Siitonen of Benton; granddaughter, Lauren Trimble (Preston) and great-granddaughters, Layla and Nora Trimble of Little Rock. He is also survived by a brother, Aaron Chappell (Cynthia) of McCrory; a sister, Darris VanPelt of Benton. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Daisy Chappell; brother, Kenneth Chappell, sisters, Audrey Chappell and Julia Davis. Funeral services are 2 p.m., August 8, 2020, at Thompson-Wilson Funeral Home in McCrory with Brother Steven Tiner and Brother Cecil Fuller officiating. Interment will follow in Woodman Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 1 p.m. to service time. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Adam Chappell, Mike Chappell, Seth Chappell, John Seaton, Paul Siitonen, and Jason Winfield. Honorary pallbearers are Tommy Clark, Richard Gossett, Dwayne Sutterfield, and Gary VanPelt. Donations may be made to McCrory First Baptist Church or Levy Baptist Church.