Gary E Chappell

On a cold December day in 1936 Gary was born at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane with little pink toes and 7 lbs of baby fat. Because he was an only child he pretty much ruled the home of his parents, Elbert and Geneva Chappell, until mom would step in and call a strike out when he was naughty. Because his parents were very talented musicians and played for many dances around the Spokane area Gary was also very talented. He played piano and organ but finally settled on the drums. He was in the Lewis & Clark High School band, and graduated from Lewis & Clark June 6, 1955. He then attended Washington State University, graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in psychology in February 1961. When he started at WSU, he met the dance band members and was told “his reputation preceded him”. Because finding work in Spokane was difficult in 1961 he found employment at the 1962 World’s Fair and was asked to play with a country rock group and they became known as the Clark Brothers Trio and leter with The Coins. They then traveled around the southwest for the next 10 years. He returned to Spokane a married man with four children and found employment helping the economically disadvantaged, and later with the Department of Corrections until retiring in February 1994 leaving many, many friends at DOC. Especially “The Broadway Broads” and the Snicker Bars. Since retiring he became very active in the Covenant Church as a bible teacher and drummer. Gary leaves behind his wife Lana, his first love, and his two stepchildren, David Ault (Gina), and Tia McInerney (Rob). Services will be held at Hazen & Jaeger Valley Funeral Home, 1306 N. Pines Rd., Spokane Valley, WA 99206 on Saturday, October 14th at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers or plants, please give to your favorite charity or the 1st Covenant Church in the memory of Gary E. Chappell.

Arrangements under the direction of Hazen & Jaeger Funeral Home, Spokane, WA.