Ronald M. Chapel has been called to his Heavenly Home at the age of 83. He was born Nov. 11, 1939, in Kansas City, Kansas, and passed away in Richfield, May 21, 2023.

Ron grew up in Kansas City, Kansas, and California, Missouri. He was an only child who grew up with many cousins, aunts and uncles. Ron always loved the outdoors from the time he was young, right up to the end. He enjoyed camping, hiking, fishing, archery, mechanicing, and building things with his hands. All of these activities gave Ron great Joy.

Ron went into the U.S. Navy right out of high school. Funny thing though, he was never on a ship. He was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. Ron was chosen to work with a small handful of men on Navy nuclear weapons. This assignment was so top secret, he had to tell his family and friends that he did janitorial work for the Air Force. About six years ago, he received a letter from the government that said his assignment was now declassified and that he could share it.

Ron’s greatest strength was his drive. He really struggled when he was in school. However, because of his self-motivation, he taught himself two careers. The first was architectural drafting. With this he worked for two companies in Utah for 15 years. His second career was sewing and sewing machine repair. Ron opened a store where he sold sewing machines, sergers, material, etc. He even taught some women how to sew.

Ron was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ronald and Martha Chapel; and his two daughters from his first marriage, Donna and Ronda. Ron is survived by his wife, Dena; his six stepchildren, Peggy, Jackie, Ross, Kimberly, Guy, and Susan; as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren.