Fremont, Utah - Craig Maxfield Chappell died May 13, 2026 at Monroe Canyon Assisted Living. He was born March 29, 1927 in Lyman, Utah , Wayne County. He was the eldest son and second child of William Lavon and Fern Maxfield Chappell. He spent his early years in Wayne County. At age 17, with permission of his parents, he joined the Merchant Marines in March of 1944. After basic training at Catalina Island off the Coast of California he was assigned to a ship, the S.S. Walter A. Luckenback, a heavy Freighter bound for the South Pacific. He was in Brisbane, Australia then Japan when WWII ended.

After returning, he married De ila Taylor on November 10th, 1946 in Fremont, Utah. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Manti Temple. They were married for over sixty years. They had two sons, Craig Bradford (Flora) Chappell and Stan T (Becky) Chappell.

Craig built the house in Fremont that he and De ila called home. He was his wife's primary care-giver the last few years of her life. Mom was Dad’s eyes and he was her legs. He was known for his kindness and compassion he showed to the many good people of Fremont. He continued that compassion and kindness to the residents of the care center in which he lived for the past 9 ½ years.

Craig was a lifelong farmer, rancher, and a heavy equipment operator. He took great pride in his work just as he always had great pride in his farm and his animals. He worked on many of the major roads constructed in Utah. He was active in civic and community affairs all of his life serving in his church as ward clerk for many years. He was active and served in leadership roles in Soil Conservation, Cattlemen's Association, Wool Growers Association and the Lions Club. He was instrumental in bringing a new culinary water system to the town of Fremont as well as assisting and planning the sprinkler irrigation system for the farms of Wayne County.

He was the first telescopic eye implant recipient in Utah. He was an innovator and his willingness to serve others has been the Hallmark trait of his life.

He is truly one of the greats of the Greatest Generation . His contribution to his family, his community, and his country were principles that governed his life. He lived the principle, “if ye have done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto me.”

Craig is survived by his children, 15 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandson. Also brother Dick Chappell, sister Neva Hutchings, sister in laws Eva and Irene Chappell, and foster daughter Kate Martin.

He was preceded in death by his wife De Ila, his parents, William Lavon and Fern, his oldest sister Flora Chestnut, younger brothers Aldus, Sheldon, and Terry Chappell.

Our Family expresses their sincere appreciation to the staff and employees of Monroe Canyon Assisted Living for the kindness shown for our Dad over the last 9 ½ years. And a deep appreciation for Zion’s Way hospice in making Dad comfortable in his last days.

Funeral Services for Craig will be held at 12 Noon on Thursday, May 21, 2026 in the Fremont LDS Ward Chapel, 850 West Center Street in Fremont. Friends may call for viewing from 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, May 20 at the Springer Turner Funeral Home Chapel, 260 North 400 West in Richfield, and from 10:00 - 11:30 A.M. at the Fremont Chapel the morning of the services.

Livestreaming of the services will be available underneath Craig's obituary at springerturner.com and will be available about 15 minutes before the service begins.

Burial will be in the Fremont Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Homes of Richfield and Salina, Utah.