Gene Sonny Edward Chappell, 82
Gene “Sonny” Edward Chappell, 82, of Libby passed away Oct. 13, 2019, of a sudden stroke at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
He was born in Lead Hill, Ark., on Sept. 18, 1937, to Guy and Geneva Chappell. He spent his early childhood in Lead Hill then moved to Eureka, Calif., with his family. He graduated from Lincoln County High School, in Eureka, in 1955.
He spent his career in the lumber industry. Gene worked for Simpson Lumber in California, Roseburg Forest Products in Oregon and US Plywood—a division of Champion Lumber—in Oregon. He retired from Stimson Lumber Co. in Libby on Jan. 1, 1998.
Gene married Carol, the love of his life, on Feb. 3, 1979, in Salem, Ore. They lived in Salem, Roseburg and Missoula before finally settling on the Kootenai River in Libby.
He was very involved in his community, serving on several boards, including that of the Cabinet Peaks Medical Center, The Community Health Center and the Cabinet View Golf Club. He also served on the board of the community college.
Gene’s passions were golfing, fishing and spending time with his family. And, of course, a good debate. He was an active member of The United Methodist Church.
Gene was preceded in death by a daughter, Tanya Lorraine, who died in infancy, and his parents Guy and Geneva Chappell.
Gene is survived by his beloved wife, Carol, and four children: Brett Williams, Terri Swartz, Connie Smith and Steve Versteeg; sisters Betsy “Bugs” Johnson, Carolyn Cadabona, Bonnie Whitelock, and brother Conny Chappell; nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service is being held at 2 p.m. on Oct. 26 at The United Methodist Church, 713 Main Ave., Libby, MT 59923. A reception will follow at the Veterans of Foreign Wars hall, 114 W. 2nd St. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society, Community Health Center’s Voucher Program, which provides healthcare for those unable to afford medical procedures, or The United Methodist Church.