Bruce Alan Chappell

Entering into this world on December 30, 1952, in Waterloo, Iowa, Bruce Chappell left a mark wherever he went. The biggest personality in the room, Bruce never met a stranger, made sure to leave everyone in stitches and always had the biggest smile on his face.

Bruce played football and wrestled in high school, which began a lifelong interest in both sports but especially wrestling. In high school Bruce’s counselor told him not to bother with college because he couldn’t pass the algebra so he enlisted in the US Air Force. It was the Vietnam era but he was allergic to a plague serum so he ended up in England and Las Vegas for his service. He learned how to repair airplanes and even worked on the Blue Angels at Nellis Air Force Base. After his service Bruce returned to Waterloo and eventually made his way to Springfield, MO.

Bruce got a job as a cupolo tender at a foundry in Springfield. His Aunt Imogene encouraged him to enroll in college so he did. When he was starting his studies, he met a recent graduate named Lynne who later became his wife. They moved to Wichita and Bruce got a job in final assembly at Learjet. While there, one of his supervisors encouraged him to major in engineering. Eventually he quit his job and became a full-time student. After graduation Bruce went to work at Boeing as a test, and sometimes modification engineer. He worked on many projects but his favorite project was Air Force One.

Bruce’s proudest moment was when he became a father to Morgan. He was active in West PTA, Girl Scouts and even went on a youth mission trip with Morgan. When she attended Oklahoma State he made regular trips to visit Morgan and attend wrestling matches.

After 26 years Bruce retired from Boeing. He filled his days puttering in the yard, canning and helping the neighbors. He took 2 extended trips to visit with his cousins in England, who he met when he was stationed there in the Air Force. Eventually, his health caught up with him and he slowed down his activity.

Bruce spent 46 wonderful years with his best friend - Lynne. Together, they loved to travel the world, but mainly Bruce was by Lynne’s side for every beach trip, mountain experience or the simple joys of being home, enjoying each others company.

Bruce left us, peacefully, on October 4 surrounded by his girls and watching his favorite show - The Big Bang Theory. His joy for life, rascal-like tendencies and witty commentary is already missed.

Bruce is preceded in death by his step-father, Wally Tolstad, his father, Joe Chappell, parents-in-law Bob & Anne Baldwin and the most important - Toby, Miss Kitty, Mae, Bess, Sallie, Princess & Gus.

Bruce is survived & remembered by his wife, Lynne, daughter, Morgan, mother Darlene Tolstad, siblings Dennis (Grace) Chappell, Carol & Cheryl Tolstad, sister-in-laws Sue Baldwin & Jan (Mark) Stockton, amazing additional family and friends, and the love of his life, Jack Russell Daisy.