Gary Chapin , We miss you and  know you are with Our Lord in heaven. You were such a Blessing to your family and friends 💛 💓 . As my cousin and friend , you were always a call away to help with prayers, love ❤️, and guidance  🙏.  Thank you God for Gary to be with us and now with You.   Love, Judy ❤️ and Larry.  

A deeply spiritual man. A fun guy. I miss him.

Dad had a certain philosophy which he applied to all areas of his life which perhaps came from living in Texas, where everything is bigger.  His theory— which he declared to me on more than one occasion was, “Hey, if a little bit is good, a lot is better!
	Peanut Butter? If a little bit is good, a lot is better.  Chocolate? If a little bit is good, a lot is better.
	Here are several examples from Dad’s life which proved he lived out exactly what he believed when it came to this philosophy...
	For example, he might have come kicking and screaming into the digital age, but once Marty Burroughs taught him how to use PowerPoint, church media teams needed to beware.  There were a LOT of slides because... If a little bit is good, a lot is better.
	More than one person took note of the way he would take one of the delicious homemade waffles or scones that Mom or Kaitlynn made for him, pour sugar-free coffee creamer or coffee syrup over it.  Then, he would spread peanut butter on top of it.  After that, he would slice up an apple to put on top of the stack.  Next, he would scoop on some sugar-free yogurt, and then pile on what seemed equivalent to an 8 oz tub of sugar free Cool Whip to top it off because, if a little bit is good...
	Of course, he wasn’t going to have breakfast without coffee.  So this philosophy definitely applied to coffee, number of coffee mugs, size of coffee mugs, coffee creamer, coffee syrup.  That man loved him some coffee.  And if a little bit is good... 
	This also applied to how many days one could actually spend at the deer lease, how many deer one could legally harvest in hunting season, and how many deer heads you could have mounted & hung in a given room— because if a little bit is good... 
	Pictures... oh, the pictures.  If you know Dad, you know that there could never be too many pictures of flowers.  Additionally, you could not edit them enough to try to improve upon their beauty.  I wouldn't even tell him that Instagram existed & what he could do with that because... if a little bit is good...
	I know some of those things are funny & non-essential, but Dad also applied that philosophy to the things that really mattered in life.  Like how often he hugged us & told us he loved us.  I can't remember a time in my life when we talked— whether in person, or on the phone— that he didn't tell me he loved me before we left or hung up.  And if we were together, every day multiple times per day, hugs were a part of our world.  His philosophy about love was like the Apostle John's... If a little bit is good, then a lot must be better.
	Dad definitely applied his philosophy to the Word of God.  He used a TON of it in his sermons.  He once told me that God's Word is inspired... not all the other stuff we preachers say... and that God might choose to anoint some of our words but every last one of His was anointed, so I use more Scripture.  He wasn’t the kind of preacher who would just use the Word for preaching to others.  There wasn't a day of my life— except on those days when he was physically incapable— when he wasn't up before the rest of us, at the kitchen table with the Word open, markers and pen handy to study Scripture... letting the Lord preach to him.  He believed, practiced, and taught me that we study Scripture every day for ourselves, and that ministry preparation is to be completely separate from that.  He believed that you can't get enough Scripture... because if a little bit is good...
	And then there was prayer.  I knew Dad also prayed daily. I knew that he and Mom prayed together.  He also wanted to pray for me every time we came to the end of a phone call, or pray God's protection and blessings over us each time we came to the end of a visit.  Up till he passed away, almost every Sunday morning I got a text from him telling me that he loved me and that he was praying for God to help me minister.  He could have just done it once, but if a little bit is good...
	Here’s the thing— I kind of think that when it comes to Heaven, God probably uses Dad's philosophy. Streets of gold. Entire city gates each made out of one pearl.  Unending joy, unending health, unending peace.  And I bet that when Dad stepped into Heaven for the first time, he probably thought, "Hey, I was right... if a little bit is good...”

A phone call, e-mail, text, and, yes, even the monthly calendars, always included Dad saying the words, “I love you, and I am proud of you!”  Dad said this to others too, but he made you feel extra special when he said it to you.  Trust me, I never took it for granted.  Dad and Mom led the way in telling and showing others how to love.  Therefore, it is only fitting the last words I spoke to Dad the last time I saw him alive and conscious in his hospital bed were, “I love you, Dad, and I am proud of you!”

Dad’s Story

	There once was a boy in the LAND OF SUNSHINE who had heard many stories about a wonderful King.  This King was loving & kind to all who made the effort to accept the King’s invitation to join His family.  When the boy was 5, he offered his humble life in service to the King and was adopted immediately.  However, the Father King said the boy would have to wait until the King had finished the boy’s room before he could move into the palace.
	When the boy became a teenager, he decided to become a warrior messenger carrying the story of the King’s Son & King’s offer of adoption to a life of love and provision.  He trained and studied the King’s words before going out to fight the enemies of the King first in the land of The ROLLING TIDE by telling all who would listen about the love of the King.  The young man met a maid who had also accepted the King’s offer, and they fell in love and were married.
	The couple were blessed with a girl child before being sent by the King back to the LAND OF SUNSHINE to sound a call of freedom to the lost and weary.  There they were blessed with another girl and boy.
	One day the warrior messenger received word from the King of a need in a land of snow and ice called THE LAND OF 10,000 LAKES.  The warrior messenger packed up his little family and joyfully followed the King’s request.  After years of telling many of the wondrous love of the King in the LAND OF 10,000 LAKES, the warrior messenger received word from the LAND of the LONE STAR.
	A group of the King’s family was in need of a leader.  The warrior messenger sought permission from the King & was instructed to make the move.  The warrior messenger grew to love his new home as he shared the good King’s messages with the people of the LONE STAR.  When he was faced with difficult situations, he would say, “What does the Book say?”  Only the King’s Book of Love & Instruction was good enough for the warrior messenger to use when caring for those placed in his care.
	The warrior messenger became recognized in the Southern part of the LAND of the LONE STAR as a wise leader.  His wisdom came from studying the King’s Book every day.  He was chosen to become a leader of the many King’s followers in the Southern part of the LAND of the LONE STAR.  He humbly served the King’s followers by encouraging his fellow warriors to spread the message from the King.
	One day the Vile Enemy attacked the warrior messenger, injuring him greatly.  The healers in the region declared the warrior messenger would not survive.  However, the King’s followers flooded the King’s throne room with messages requesting His help.  The King heard the cries of His followers and spoke words of healing for the warrior messenger.  The warrior messenger was restored and continued his service. At the instruction of the King, the warrior messenger stepped down from his position of leadership.
	The warrior messenger continued to follow the King and spread His message anywhere he was invited.  One day a fellow warrior messenger invited him to help him care for a special group of the King’s followers called the BOOK SEARCHERS.  The warrior messenger was honored to share what he knew about the King with this wonderful group of King Followers and loved them greatly.
	Finally, the Vile Enemy attacked the warrior messenger in a grievous manner, rendering him speechless.  The Vile Enemy believed he had won, but little did he know that the King’s followers who had heard the King’s message from the lips of the warrior messenger were not defeated.  The warrior messenger had warned them.  “One day, My Father the King will have my room in His palace ready.  When my room is ready and my beloved Father King calls, I will leave my loving family and friends to join Him in the Land of Promise & Light.  The Vile Enemy will say he destroyed me, but always remember, “WHAT DOES THE BOOK SAY!”  It says, “Devil, I fought the good fight.  I finished my race and I WON!”

We worked for Pastor Chapin starting in 1985 & w/ Dan Milbrath. He was one of just a few of my Fathers in Ministry.  He was thorough, Tough & most of all a Teacher to me. He reqiuired me to put projects to preview on paper & the 1st one he evaluated & returned it w/a score of "C-Minus". I was not happy, but I was Taught & I learned to Love it as I Loved him! My HS English teacher would've loved him. Other funny things  happened while w/him I wish I could share! He taught me how to deer hunt & how to be Humble by example & most of all how to Pastor. We had many laughs together. He spoke for me at a Board Retreat in CO. & my Board Loved him, again I learned.  Everything was a Teaching Opportunity to him. He was always  Pastor to me, never, just Bro. Chapin. Our last time together we both spoke at Dan Milbrath's Funeral. We'll again Dance together in Heaven & I Look Forward to seeing My Pastor, my Father in Ministry & my Teacher again!

Brother Gary Chapin was a prince in Israel but he was more than that. He was my friend. Shall never forget his encouragement when I retired from pastoral ministry - You have done it right because you have allow yourself time for ministry and time for enjoying God’s gift of life beyond the pressures of daily schedules. To the family I say, You're blessed to have hah him in your lives these extended years. 

Gary exuded the love of Christ! His smile was infectious! He made you feel like you were the most important person in the world when you spoke with him. He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

My cousin Gary Chapin was always there for me and our family and friends. He will be missed. He loved the Lord, his family,  friends and flowers.  We know that he is in heaven 🙏 with the  Lord and will be watching over us.  Love you Gary and annese . Your cousin Judy and Larry Powell. 🙏🙏🌹🌹.

We are so sorry about the passing of your beloved Dad and Brother. Even though we know he got promoted to Heaven, we know there’ll be an emptiness in your heart, so we pray the peace of God to fill your hearts.  We loved his teaching in Marty’s Sunday School class when he would come to Dothan. He was a dear friend and we’ll miss him terribly.  We love you, precious family.  Doug and Jan Marcum. 

Pastor Chaplin was the BEST pastor I have ever known. I wish I had the opportunity to have told him  how special he was to me. I still believe to this day that because of his love for his people, and the belief in keeping the youth program so important is why I am where I am today. 
I know he made a difference in the world and wherever he went and whoever met him knew that God’s love radiated from him. 
Although I may grieve his passing, I know I will see him again in Heaven. 

When Grandfather first adopted me, I wasn't much of a catch. I was a struggling teenager who batted insecurity and anxiety. I had no skills to offer him. I was a decent baker, but he already had a wife who did that wonderfully. He didn't need that service from me. From my point of view, this adoption didn't seem like much of a bargain. Yet, he chose to adopt me anyway.

 He brought me into his family and gave me everything that I never knew I needed. He welcomed me into his home during Thanksgiving and Christmas, bought me presents and wrote me cards on my birthday, introduced me to the Texas Hill Country, and texted me just to let me know that he loved me. The greatest gift of all was that he let me sit by his side. Sitting next to him, whether at Christmas dinner or during Sunday morning church service is one of my sweetest memories. I loved being near him, having conversations with him, and learning from him. I loved sharing life with him. 

As a photographer, Grandfather had a gift for seeing the beauty in this world and capturing it. As a pastor, he had a gift for seeing the beauty in people and fostering that. He discovered talents in me that I didn't know I had and showed me how to use them to serve the Lord. His wisdom, love, and guidance have made me into the person that I am today. He lived his life as the ultimate example of Jesus' love. I love him dearly and can't wait to see him again. As Grandfather would say when speaking about his own father, "He can't come back to me, but I can go to him." Until then, I will follow his example by doing my best to fulfill God's calling for my life each day and being an encourager to those I meet along the way. 

Prior to his becoming the Wednesday night pastor of the traditional service at CT, our only contact with Pastor Chapin was in regards to  his official duties at the South Texas A/G office.  He was always very kind, deliberate and efficient.  He was a joy to work with.  When he became pastor of the CT Wednesday pm service,  we were amazed at the depth of his wisdom, teaching ability and love for people.  We learned to love him and his dear wife.  His passing is such a loss to all who knew him and were privileged to sit under his ministry.  We trust God's special comfort for his family at this time.

I had the privilege of meeting Bother Chapin in 2018. I attended his traditional Wednesday night service. What an anointing. This man shined Jesus through and through. I will treasure the memory of hearing him preach the Word of God in power. I am grateful for the love he and his lovely wife have shown my brother and his family.  

Pastor Chapin was not just my pastor, he was my adopted grandfather. He took me and my family in without hesitation and loved us deeply. He was so patient and wise, and every time I talked to him, there was always something to learn from him. His sermons and our conversations helped me grow and deepen my faith. His love for nature photography taught me to admire God’s beauty that’s all around us, from wildflowers in the Hill Country to the hibiscus in his front yard. I miss him immensely, but will treasure the time I had to know him and the honor it was to be his adopted granddaughter. 

I have so many wonderful memories of this great man. It is hard to share just one. Going hunting with him would be one of my favorite memories. Sitting in a deer blind with a man that meant the world to me. Every time we spent time together, I learned something from him. He was a father to me, a teacher, a counselor, a preacher and my friend. He loved me unconditionally.

 I never met anyone who loved Jesus the way that he did. Everyday was like the first day that God saved him. 

Every time I saw him he would open his arms to hug and kiss me and say these words, "My dear son, I love you." That would have to be my most favorite memory. I will miss hearing those words. I will miss him dearly. 

https://youtu.be/Oet_Avo79CQ

Thank you for “adopting” me, loving me, encouraging me, affirming me and teaching me. While I didn’t grow up with you, I grew up under you and your ministry.  You showed me  a Godly example of how I am to walk out my life here on this earth in a way that pleases my Heavenly Father.  I was blessed. I am blessed.  I am thankful and I look forward to seeing soon and forever.❤️

Pastor Chapin was a great man of God. I served on the Deacon Board at Central Assembly of God in Pasadena where he pastored. I came to know him as a leader, an example, mentor and friend. He had great wisdom and gentleness. I have so many precious memories of Brother Chapin and feel a great loss at his passing. 

We love and appreciate the Chapin family. Our hearts were saddened to learn of Pastor Chapin’s passing but rejoice because he is home at a place he has taught about and prayed about his entire life.   We first met Pastor as our Presbyter in the late 80’s when we first started our full time ministry journey.  He was always a wonderful encouragement to us. He will be missed!  We love you Annese and family! 

I’m sure there are many antidotes that could be shared, as my family has known Gary & Annese for many years; but one of the most striking was while Gary was pastoring at Central A/G.  Without him knowing about events earlier on one particular Labor Day, God orchestrated his remarks and even the exact choice of a Bible reference to share with my prodigal brother, when he “out of the blue” stopped by for some help. After  Bro. Chapin picked up his Bible and started to read from the book of Hosea, chapter 2, my brother shouted out, “I give up”. What made no sense to Gary was totally led by the Holy Spirit and pastor led my brother back to the Lord.  So much more to the story, but I have always been grateful for a pastor who is truly led by the spirit. 

As a young man growing up at heights Assembly of God in Houston I vividly recall Bro. Chapin coming to speak at the church. As I began to pursue ministry I recall admiring how he would immediately grab the attention of the congregation with both his booming voice and his gift for using a captivating hook-type question or thought. 

As I started  in full time ministry it was bro. Chapin you would walk me through some personal difficulties and struggle always making me feel welcomed and loved. 

I recall leaving his office feeling energized and charged to keep going. No matter what church I was serving he always remembered my name.  I remember thinking that when I make it in ministry I want to be like Bro. Chapin

Rest in a peace 

Brother and Sister Chapin were one of our greatest mentors and spoke into our life. We were blessed to preach and conduct many Revivals as Evangelist for them. He was the only Pastor in 42 years to purpose his church to prepare his church the week before our Revivals. He is one of the greatest man of integrity. I was so glad I had him preach the South Texas District SIGNS OF THE TIMES CONFERENCE last year. He preached on the Last Days of America and Israel. Sister Chapin is a true Shepherds wife and a  Godly woman. Thank you Brother and Sister Chapin for loving the gift of Evangelist. God Bless and praying for the days ahead. We Keep Marching !    

Brother Chapin was a dear friend to my husband and I although my husband Reverend Travis Lewing proceeded him home 4.5 years ago I know they are celebrating at the feet of Jesus. 
Brother Chapin bought Travis his first digital camera as a thank you for developing the first web page for south East Texas district page. 
And Brother Chapin also was on the interview comity when I got my papers for Ordination in September 2017. I am really going to miss him. 

So many wonderful memories of Gary and his precious wife when they were in St Petersburg Fl and Palm Harbor Fl. Always ready to take part in anything that would help all the young teens get involved. Camping trips, shut ins with the kids, sleep overs and so many other fun times. Gary was such a special loving man of God. He will be missed but always remembered.

Gary was more like a brother than an in-law. I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes, remembering the fun times. Annese and Gary had been married a short time but still invited me to spend some time with them at Faith Hill where they pastored.  One day it was so hot I stripped down to underwear and he then proceeded to hose me down. I was just a kid and the joy! He took a picture and teased me about it for years. My mind then jumps to trip he and I took in his VW Beetle to St.Pete. Gary was so much fun. I will miss my brother, counselor and man of God who showed me he loved me and cared for me.

Bro.  Chapin, you spoke into my life more than you know. Always available for a hug and was the only man I let call me babe. My greatest memory was when you and Sister Annese came and you preached for me in Highlands on a Sunday morning. Then after poured into me at lunch, greater than any education I had previously received or would receive down the road. Thank you for being you! Love you and Sister Annese and family, I’m praying for you all!! 

Always fun. Always smiling. Always full of faith. A mentor by his actions.

Pastor Gary Chapin you will be greatly missed. Your life has had such an impact on so many! What a blessing  you were in my life and my family.  Heaven is much sweeter. 

Pastor Chapin thank you for the honor of singing on your Wednesday night traditional service and believing in me. Dan and I want to thank you for being there for us in good times and bad and leading family and friends to God. You are Where The Roses Never Fade now that's what the old traditional song says. Your words and prayers have built me stronger than ever before! You were a father to all at any age! We love you and your beautiful wife so much! Well Done Thy Good and Faithful Servant,I know you have already heard. You will be Miss so much! Love Dan and Judy Gross and family. 

Gary Chapin was a blessing to know.  He blessed my life through not only his ministry and friendship but through the life of his son who has obviously been so greatly influenced by his father’s life. I am thankful to have known him .

A man of God has truly walked among us.  
It was an honor to get better acquainted with the Chapin’s during the time we were in Houston several years ago.  I always looked forward to being in his Wednesday Night class at C T Church.  

We first met Gary at Kid's Camp in Kerrville in the 1980s. He was an excellent story teller who could keep the attention of groups of boys age 7-12, no easy feat! Every time we met him from then on, we could count on that big smile and a hug. A choice servant of God. We will miss him.

OBITUARY

Rev. Gary Chapin

March 12, 1939 – February 23, 2020

Grand View Funeral Home & Memorial Park/Bethany Cemetery

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