Melvin L. Chapple Jr.

Melvin L. Chapple Jr., 57, died in the Vista Hospital, Waukegan, IL, on Wednesday, December 31, 2008. Mel was born in Decatur, IL, on August 9, 1951,the son of Melvin and Annie Pearl (nee: Broadnax) Chapple Sr.. Mel attended the University of Illinois after graduating from Eisenhower High School in Decatur. On Sept. 5, 1995, here in Racine, Mel was united in marriage to the former Patricia Ann Riley. He has been employed by Johnson Diversey since March of 1995 as a line packager and had served on its volunteer fire department. Mel was a Deacon and a member of Starlight Outreach Ministry under the leadership of Pastor John Thomas and he worked diligently with fellow deacons Dyess and Smith at the church and in the community. Mel enjoyed playing softball, grilling out, watching old movies and spending time with his sons, grandsons, family and friends. Mel’s family and friends, in Decatur, affectionately knew and referred to him as “Mr. Encyclopedia” since he knew most anything and everything stemming from his love of reading.. Mel was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed. Mel leaves to cherish his memory, wife Patricia; sons, Melvin (Joquel) Chapple III of Suffolk, VA, Julian Chapple, John Chapple, both of Milwaukee, and Brandon Chapple of Racine; step-daughter Yolonda Edwards of Racine; 6 grandchildren, Zion Chapple, Jalen Goines, Dezharie Chambliss, Trent Edwards of Pensacola, FL, Tre’ Edwards, and Taron Edwards; mother Annie Pearl Chapple of Decatur, IL; brothers, Bryan Chapple of Kokomo, IN, and Anthony (Emmanuella Joseph M.D.) Chapple of Decatur, IL; sisters, Monica Evans of Buffalo Grove, IL, Sara (Michael) Shaw of Iowa City, IA, Tracie (William) Eiland of Florissant, MO, and Anna Marie (Calvin) Walker; of Bowie, MD; sisters-in-law Diana Riley of Racine, Gwendolyn Riley of Milwaukee, Geri (Gene) White, Jackie Riley Charlton, both of Newark, DE, Renee Riley of Baltimore, MD and Sheryl Riley of Greenville, SA; brothers-in-law Lonnie Eugene Riley of Minneapolis, MN, Jimmie Stoveall of Freeport, IL, and Lonnie Edward Riley of Egan, MN; close friends Roger and Barbara Reed , Glynda Chapple, Camille, Lee, Tony, Bessie, and the Johnson Diversey Team. His nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, Starlight Outreach Ministry family, other relatives and friends further survive Mel. He was preceded in death by his father Melvin L. Chapple Sr., and brother Rodney Chapple. His Homegoing Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 8th, in Starlight Outreach Ministry, 2040 Golf Ave., with Rev. John Thomas officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Wednesday, Jan. 7th, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and in the church on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery.