Gerald Martin Chapton

Gerald Martin Chapton passed away Sunday, April 15, 2018, due to complications with diabetes he has been fighting for 45 years. Jerry was born April 30, 1935, in Wenatchee, WA, to William and Evelyn Chapton. He grew up with younger brothers, Gene and Gary. Graduating from Wenatchee High School in 1953, Jerry excelled in basketball and tennis. He attended Wenatchee Valley College, taking accounting classes, and also winning a state tennis title in 1954. He married his high school sweetheart, Louise Ann Morical, on December 20, 1954. That same year, he started his 28-year career with Chelan County PUD as a meter reader, working his way into accounting, retiring in 1982. While raising their four children, Jerry was a busy man, involving much of his time with youth sports, including the inception of Wenatchee Youth Football in 1966, Eastmont Little League, Babe Ruth, Eastmont Youth Baseball and Soccer. Jerry also had a 33-year career with the National Guard. The military life fit him well and stayed with him his entire life. He retired at the rank of Lt. Colonel. He spent ten years as Captain of the Wenatchee Police Reserves and always commented on how he enjoyed the 21 years of service on the Eastmont School Board. In 1986, Jerry was named Citizen of the Year by the East Wenatchee Chamber of Commerce. In 1994, he received the Department of Defense Commanders Award for public service. He was cited for uncommon dedication to duty, specifically for his actions while administering military aptitude exams for high school students. A military news release from Chicago, IL. stated that the Commanders Award is a prestigious honor seldom given to members outside the Commanders organization. In 2009, Jerry was inducted into the WVC Sports Hall of Fame for tennis. He also served on several different boards and committees in the community. Jerry and Louise enjoyed many summers combing the beaches together on the Oregon coast; it was their favorite family vacation. He loved to hunt and fish (when he had time). In later years, Jerry's mobility became more restricted. However, despite many surgeries and rehabs, he persevered with a positive attitude and outlook. Both Jerry and Louise have been faithful and active members at Calvary Crossroads Church. Louise's faith is what gives her peace in dealing with saying goodbye to Jerry after 64 years together. Jerry made a lifetime of decisions, but the most important decision that mattered to him was when he was a young man, he said "YES" to Jesus Christ. He loved his family dearly, as we loved him. What an amazing race he ran and we will see him again. Jerry is survived by his wife, Louise, of the family home; son, Chuck (Judy) Chapton of East Wenatchee, WA; son, Scott (Lori) Chapton of Ellensburg, WA; daughter, Ruth (Steve) Stumpf of Mill Creek, WA; son, Tim (Herla) Chapton of Renton, WA; brother, Gary (Dianne) Chapton of Pasco, WA; grandchildren: Spencer and Sydney Stumpf, Rob and Kati Moore, Jesse, David, James and Emma Madrigal; great-grandchildren: Olivia and Stella Moore; plus numerous nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Evelyn Chapton; brother, Gene; in-laws, Charlie and Gladys Morical. A Celebration of Jerry's Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, May 24, 2018, at Calvary Crossroads Church, 1301 Maple St., Wenatchee, WA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Eastmont Youth Sports. Please leave your thoughts and prayers for the family at www.chapelofthevalleyncw.com. Arrangements are by Chapel of the Valley, Wenatchee, WA.

Gerald Martin Chapton

April 30, 1935 - April 15, 2018