Rex Harvey Chappell, Jr. 12/11/1941 - 9/28/2025 | Gold Mountain California News

Rex Harvey Chappell passed away on September 28, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Nevada City, CA on December 11, 1941, Rex lived a life full of passion, dedication, and heart—most of all for his family, friends, and students, fishing, jazz music, and the game of football. Rex (Butch) is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Yvonne, and their three children: Stacey Hay (Tom), Kelly Hunkins (Scott), and Matt Chappell (Juli). He was a proud grandfather and great- grandfather to Alison Hunkins (Tori Goble); Brad Hunkins (Justine), with children Landon and Carson; Emily Staat (Spencer), with children Dorothy and Peter; Maciel Hay (Jake Bullock); Thomas Hay (Lyito); Julia Hay; Matthew Hay; and Henry Hay. Rex is also survived by his brother, Harry H. "Rush" Chappell (Carol Lee), and by sisters-in-law Maxine Swan (Cy), Marilyn Meservey, and Jacci Filer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rex H. Chappell, Sr. and Wanda M. Chappell, and by his in-laws, Lawrence William Filer and Maciel Filer. He leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews: Denise Wood (Mike), Jennifer Elliott, Eric Elliott, Greg Ruffner, Melynda Cathers, Aldina Fleming (Mike), Aaron Swan (Summer), Shannon McAdams, Trever Cartwright (Terry), Jake Cartwright (Debbie), Shae Nightingale, Lindsay Nightingale, Bobby Chappell, Mike Chappell (Kathy), and Sandy Smith (Charlene). A lifelong educator and coach, Rex spent decades teaching and inspiring young people in both the classroom and on the field. His career spanned Arcata High School, Humboldt State University, and Sierra College, where he taught multiple subjects and coached a variety of sports. However, his deepest love was for football and he was the head football coach at Sierra College for 20 years. Rex's own football journey began at Nevada Union High School, class of 1959, and continued at Sierra College and Humboldt State. Those who knew Rex will remember his steady presence on the sidelines, his sharp wit, his love of the game, and his unwavering dedication to those around him. He will be dearly missed and forever honored by the many lives he touched. A celebration of Rex's life will be held in the new Sierra College Gymnasium in Rocklin on Saturday, October 25 at 5 PM. The family of Rex Chappell requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Sierra College Wolverine Athletic Association.