Gary Marshall Chappell
The sum of one’s life experience and achievements can be momentous. Gary Marshall Chappell’s life was just that. A native son of Michigan, Gary spent a life of dedication and service to his family, his career and community. His life’s impact was significant. Sadly, Gary passed his mortal life June 14, 2024, but he leaves very full and impressive contributions that positively impacted many.
Gary was born to Marshall and Esther Chappell March 4, 1939. He married his wife Carol June 19, 1971, and they shared 53 years of marriage.
Gary left his downstate career to settle and make a home as a longtime resident of Rogers City. Here, he and his surviving wife Carol raised their children Brian, Celeste Smith (Scott) and Kindra Mullarky (Eric), and once owned/operated Adrian’s Sports Shop until his retirement. Gary also served as multiterm mayor, initiating and capitalizing on improvements to make Rogers City the unique town we see today. More recently, he served as a board member of the Rogers City Country Club and was instrumental in securing the future of the golf course.
Gary’s interests and personality were just as big as his professional career. Solidifying him as a great storyteller, Gary would say “Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.” As an avid reader, lifelong learner, and having a keen understanding of the world, he could back up his tales with ease, comfort, passion, charm and charisma. During his life, Gary had vast hobbies as a woodworker, coffee bean roaster, runner, golfer, photographer, sportsman, crafter, gamer, Knaebe’s tour guide and barrel trainer driver, jack-of-all-trades for Anchors Aweigh, and even acted as a hairdresser for Carol. He never met a butter pecan ice cream he didn’t like and had the tendency to tease others with classic dry humor. For Gary, family was everything, and service for
Outside of his aforementioned immediate family, Gary is also survived by his grandchildren, Ben, Danielle (Xavier), Emily, Alaena and Myles; great-grandchildren, Cady, Justin and Zander; a brother, Mike (Karen); a sister-in-law, Julane; brothers-in-law, Ray (Nancy), Robert and Paul (Sandy); and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother Jim.
A celebration of Gary’s life is scheduled for friends and family June 29, at Knaebe’s Apple Farm & Ciderworks from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers and cards, a contribution can be made to the Huron State Bank (RE: Gary Chappell Bench) for the purpose of purchasing a memorial bench to be placed on the Huron-Sunrise Trail he so loved.
