Barbara Sumlin Chappell

Barbara Sumlin Chappell, 73, of Odessa, Texas, was called home to her Heavenly Father on December 18, 2020.

Barbara was a loving wife, devoted mother, doting grandmother, committed sister and loyal friend. Her love of family and enthusiasm for life will echo eternally in the hearts of those she touched.

Barbara was born to Lois and Richard Gauerke on April 15, 1947, in Chicago, IL; Barbara relocated to Shreveport, Louisiana, while in high school and immediately embraced the culture and revelry the state had to offer.

Barbara was a 1965 graduate of Byrd High School prior to graduating from Louisiana Tech University in Ruston from 1967-1971.

After college, Barbara started her family in Ruston, raising sons Shane and Richard Sumlin, the pride and joy of her life.

During this time, she led her family to a deep relationship with the Presbyterian Church which later evolved into Barbara working 12 years for the Presbytery of the Pines in Ruston, LA.

In 1994, she would begin a new chapter when she met her future husband and the love of her life, Dr. Robert “Bob” Chappell, Jr., from Odessa, Texas.

After dating long distance for three years, they were married in 1997.

Her move to Odessa, Texas would be the start of a wonderful, blended family that embraced the lives of daughters,

Catherine and Elizabeth. When she arrived in Odessa, she jumped right in, making friends and becoming very active in the community. She served on boards in the area that included the Education Foundation and Ellen Noel Art Museum.

As an elder of the Presbyterian Church USA, Barbara was on multiple committees including the Westminster Presbyterian Church and Tres Rios Presbytery.

Bob and Barbara traveled extensively over the years yet always found their way home to Odessa, where their home served as the heart of countless holidays and gatherings for friends and family.

Barbara’s love of music, life, family, singing, dancing, and faith was tangible and contagious.

Barbara is survived by husband, Dr. Robert “Bob” Chappell, Jr., sons and daughter in laws Shane and Kristy Sumlin; Richard and Nicki Sumlin; daughter and daughter in law, Dr. Catherine Chappell and Mrs. Hollis Laird; daughter and son in law, Elizabeth and Evan Aldrich; grandchildren Maggie and Kasch Sumlin; Sydney and Gibson Sumlin; Cason and Everett Aldrich; Loving sisters and brothers in law Rick and Janice Sturkie, Glen and Debi Miglicco; John and Beth Thompson. Several loving nieces and nephews and countless many friends.

Due to COVID restrictions in place, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Odessa, Texas.

Those who so desire may make memorial donations in memory of Barbara to:

• Westminster Presbyterian Church in Odessa, Texas

• Ector County Education Foundation

• Ellen Noel Art Museum

• Presbyterian Church of Ruston in Ruston, Louisiana