Rossiter John "Chappy" Chappelear Dec. 25, 1928-April 24, 2007

A funeral service for Rossiter John "Chappy" Chappelear, 78, of Columbus, will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Shaw-Davis Funeral Homes, North Chapel, Columbus. Interment will be in Union Cemetery.

He passed away April 24, 2007, at home. He was born Dec. 25, 1928, in Columbus.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thornton W. Chappelear Sr. and Mary Ruhama Williams Chappelear; sister, Maxine Chappelear Swisher; brothers, Cread C. Chappelear, Thornton W. Chappelear Jr. and James David Chappelear; and cousin, Russell S. Forgrave Jr.

He is survived by nephews and niece, Walter F. Chappelear (Constance), Cread C. Chappelear (Vanessa), Stephen E. Chappelear (Sharon), Susan E. Clark (Dennis), and John D. Chappelear (Aimee); cousins, Shirley Nyhan (Edward) and William Forgrave; great-nephews and nieces, Cread C. Chappelear, Iris A. Chappelear, Tara S. Twehues, Katherine S. Chappelear, Christopher C. Chappelear, Barbara E. Smith, Kendra C. Johnson, David C. Clark, James D. Chappelear, and Emily C. Chappelear; and longtime friends, Ed Emery and Nancy Kelly.

He was a retired captain in the U.S. Army, with more than 41 years of service. An Army bugler, he played "Taps" more than 4,500 times at funeral and memorial services. He served in the Korean War, was a member of the Ohio National Guard 122nd Army Band, a past national president of the 37th Division Veterans Association, a past commander of Franklin Post 1 of the American Legion, a past commander of Capital City No. 3 DAV; a past commander of the 10th District of the DAV; a past president of the Columbus Chapter of the 37th Division Veterans Association; Chef de Gare of AM LE Voiture No. 15 40&8; a member of AMVETS Post 89; a member of Sojourner No. 10; a member of Reserve Officers; a past president of Retired Officers of Central Ohio; a past president of State Commanders and Adjutants Association of Ohio; a past president of Armed Forces Community Relations Council; a past chancellor of Champion Lodge 518 Knights of Pythias; a former 16th Ward committeeman; a member of the Franklin County Republican Party Central Committee; and a member of the Buckeye Packard Club, Classic Car Club of America, and Old North Hi Club.

He retired from the Franklin County Coroner's Office. He was the proprietor of Chappelear Real Estate and Chappelear Bros. Farms.

Chappy never met a stranger, had an engaging wit and sense of humor and was an unforgettable character. He was proud to be an American. He loves his family, his home, his antique cars, his clubs and organizations, his many friends and his country. He will be missed greatly.

Family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, 4341 N. High St., Columbus.

Rossiter John Chappelear