Matthew Earson Chappell, Chief Master Sergeant, US Air Force, retired, native of Chowan County and long time resident of Jarvisburg, Currituck County, NC, passed on to the next life on Tuesday, 24 September 2013 in American Fork, Utah, following a brief illness. Earson, or "Duck" as he was known in his youth, was an active athlete and class officer at W. T. Griggs High School, graduating in 1949. He joined the Air Force in December 1950 and served his country for 24 years as an aircraft mechanic and maintenance computer system developer, with assignments in Arizona, where he met and married Gay Murray; Colorado, the Philippines, Washington DC, and Alabama, before retiring to Jarvisburg, N.C. to be near his parents and family. His second career was with the US Postal Service for 18 years. He was not capable of truly retiring so he developed a third career as an appliance repairman, where he became known for his analytical and mechanical skills and willingness to give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He enjoyed gardening and playing with his grandchildren–any children for that matter, as the little ones always brought a smile to his face with their innocence and love. Mr. Chappell is survived by his wife of 60 years, Gay Murray, Lindon UT; brothers, Joe (Edna), Clinton, MD; and Sam (Jeanette), Jarvisburg; and sister, Martha Kaye (Jack) Helms, Jarvisburg; sons, Jeff (Theresa), Herriman, UT: John, Orlando, FL. and Jarvisburg; Mark, Nampa, ID; and daughter, Carolyn (Bill) Nelson, Lehi, UT; 17 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Matthew J. Chappell and Mary E. Chappell; sister, Leona (Eddie) Forehand; and granddaughter, Hailee Chappell. Funeral services were held at 1400 on Saturday, 28 Sept. 2013, at Wing Mortuary, 118 East Main Street, Lehi, Utah 84043, phone 801-768-9514. Viewing preceded the service starting at 1330. Burial will be on Monday, 30 Sept 2013, at 1300, at Utah State Veterans Memorial Park on Redwood Road adjacent to Camp Williams, Bluffdale, UT. A memorial service in Currituck County is pending. Online guest book at wingmortuary.com. - Published in The Daily Advance from September 26 to September 29, 2013