Elman Alfonso Chapa's Obituary
CHAPA, ELMAN ALFONSO born September 30, 1925 in El Paso, Texas has passed away May 13, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Preceded in death by wife, Guadalupe Escajeda Chapa (11-13-11). Elman is survived by his children, Evelina (Evelyn) Chapa-Loya; Susan Reza and E. Mark Chapa (wife, Jennifer); grandchildren, Christopher J. Reza, Matthew P. Loya (wife, Alyssa), Andrew J. Reza (wife, Summer) and Sarah K. Chapa; great-grandchildren, Evan E. Reza, Drake A. Reza and Easton V. Loya; brother, Armando Chapa; sisters, Mary Chapa-Johnston and Dora Chapa Resanovich, and many nieces and nephews. Dad served our country in the Navy during World War II. He graduated from Bowie High School where he was Drum Major having won a medal as best drum major in El Paso in 1943. He was also elected Student Body President. He later joined Southwestern Portland Cement Company where he ultimately became the District Sales Manager as was with the company for 39 years. During this time, he was a civic leader in El Paso, having been the first hispanic elected to the El Paso Independent School Board serving two terms (12 years). He was a member and then chairman of the West Texas Council of Governments Executive Commitee. He was also a member of the Executive Committee of the Texas Assn of School Boards (TASB) and President of the Bowie Alumni Association for many years. His passion was golf and he became President of the Ascarate Golf Course Association. Being the very organized, detailed and intelligent man that he was, he was asked to run the annual City Golf Championship Tournament as it had been steadily deteriorating. Under his direction, the city championship was renamed as Te Herald Post Men’s City Golf Greater El Paso Golf Championship and he enlisted the assistance of 6 golf pros. Over time the tournmant grew and became extremely successful. At the same time, he served as President of the El Paso Golf Hall of Fame and was later inducted to the Hall as a contributor to the game of golf in El Paso. A very active man all his life, dad enjoyed gardening, reading, hunting, fishing and traveling with his beloved wife, Lupe. As his mother told him many years ago, “Nothing worth anything comes easy”. And, as he used to say, “If you don’t work for it, you don’t deserve it.” A great man, great husband, father and grandfather – he will be greatly missed. Family will receive friends on Thursday, May 16th, 2013 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 9643 Ferndale Rd. Dallas Texas preceding the rosary at 7:00 PM. Service/Burial will be held on Friday, May 17th, 2013 at 9:30 AM at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association.
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