Chester (Bill) N. McAlpin, 76, passed away February 26, 2008 at Hendrick Medical Center. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 29, at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, with Dr. Jeff Reid and Rev. Stan Allcorn officiating, with burial at Elmwood Memorial Park immediately following. Visitation will be at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Thursday, February 28, between the hours of 6:00 and 8:00pm.
Born on July 3, 1931 in Spur, Texas, Mr. McAlpin was the son of Chester and Mary McAlpin. After graduating from Spur High School in 1949, Mr. McAlpin served in the US Air Force during the Korean War. Mr. McAlpin married Marceil James, of Spur, Texas on March 15, 1954 and was blessed with 54 years of marriage.
In 1955, Mr. McAlpin moved to Abilene where he has remained for the last 53 years. Mr. McAlpin earned a Bachelor's Degree from Hardin Simmons, a Master's Degree from Abilene Christian University, as well as achieving and maintaining certification as a Licensed Professional Counselor. A lifetime champion of promoting education, Mr. McAlpin served the Abilene Independent School District for 29 years, with 25 years dedicated to Abilene High School where he served as a teacher, counselor, and vice principal.
Mr. McAlpin faithfully served the community and was active in the Kiwanis Club, the Disabled Veterans, and Meals on Wheels. He was also a member of the Abilene Retired Teachers Association.
Mr. McAlpin is survived by his loving wife Marceil; their son and his wife Blaine and Vicki McAlpin, their daughter Patty Darden, their daughter and her husband Angelyn and Mark Russell; their eight grandchildren Amanda Taylor, Melanie Surprise, Rebecca Wilkins, Jennifer Darden, Casey McAlpin, Daniel Darden, Sophia Russell, and Andrew Russell; and their great-grandchild Bradley Taylor. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Gwen Bilberry, and his brothers Jerry Don and Vernell (Willie).
Pallbearers for the funeral will be Mr. McAlpin's grandsons and grandsons-in law: Tim Taylor, Steven Wilkins, Jason Surprise, Cody Bell, Casey McAlpin, and Daniel Darden. Honorary pallbearers will be Bradley Taylor and Andrew Russell.
Memorials may be made in honor of Chester McAlpin to the donor's favorite charity.