Donald Chapline

Donald Earl Chapline, age 87, of Clovis, NM left this earth to be with the Lord on December 31, 2018 at his home in Clovis. He was born on October 6, 1931 in Olney Springs, CO to the home of Joseph S. and Faye Ellen (Dennis) Chapline.

Donald attended elementary, junior high and high school for nine years in Sheridan, WY. His first job was working as a paper boy in Sheridan. He later moved and graduated from Miles City High School in Montana. In 1952 he enlisted in the United States Air Force at age 21 and served our country for 4 years. That same year he married Ruby Jane Carpenter in Clovis. Donald and Ruby were married for 58 years and had 3 children.

Donald was well known for being a hardworking man. He worked for the Milwaukee Railroad in Milwaukee, WI, the Rock Springs Journal in Rock Springs, WY, the Miles City Times in Miles City, MT, and finally the Daily Times in Farmington, NM where he worked for 30 years until his retirement in 1993. It was there that he was considered the most devoted and dedicated employee. After his retirement, they moved back to Clovis where they built their house and made Clovis their home.

Don and Ruby enjoyed camping and fishing. He enjoyed taking care of his animals. Donald raised miniature goats and was very proud of his peacocks. He also had a beautiful flower garden. During all the years of their travels, Don being a great photographer, took thousands of pictures. They both collected many souvenirs, his favorite being his Navajo collection of many beautiful pieces.

Don used to enjoy riding around Clovis to see the sites, the people and eat at restaurants then going home to relax and watch western movies.

Preceding his death are his parents; his wife Ruby; 2 brothers and 1 sister. He leaves behind his sons, Dwayne (Georgia) Chapline of Florence, AZ, and Daryle Chapline of Colorado Springs, CO; his daughter, Janella (Ryan) Watson of Farmington, NM; and his grandson, Christopher Chapline of Castle Rock, CO whom Donald had a very special bond with.

Donald is also survived by his best friend, Toby his cat; his caretaker and friend Judith Encinias, Bernadette Drumma, the rest of the Encinias family who cared for and loved him like a grandfather.

Special thanks to Dr. Haynes, Pastor Bill Case and his church family at Kingswood Methodist Church, PHHC, Hospice and a special thanks to Jordon, Hope and Janice for their care.

Services will be on Friday, January 4th, 2019 at Kingswood United Methodist Church at 3:00 PM with Pastor Bill Case officiating.

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