Vernon Dean Chappell, 72, of Decatur, IL, unexpectedly passed away on Friday, January 12, 2024, with his wife and two daughters by his side. Born on January 18, 1951, Dean was the youngest child of Thomas E. and Florence E. Chappell, of Decatur, IL. He married Becky Sue Hausmann, on August, 24, 1974. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, Kelly (Troy) Zoellner, of Jacksonville, IL, and Sara (Brian) Vanagas, of Decatur, IL, and 4 grandchildren (Jaret Zoellner, Julia Zoellner, Bode Vanagas and Cooper Vanagas), his mother (Florence), and one sister Diana (Jerry) Bafford, sister-in-law Janet Thurn, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father (Thomas) and his two brothers (Thomas and Donald).

After graduating from Eisenhower High School in 1969, Dean got his degree in mechanical engineering from Eastern Illinois University. Upon graduation, Dean spent the majority of his career as a mechanical engineer at Archer Daniels Midland, retiring in 2013.

While in college, Dean worked several summers for City of Decatur Lake Patrol. During this time, he became a member of the S.K.I. Waterski Club before joining P.I.T.S Water Skiers in 1979. Dean's passion for waterskiing never faltered throughout his life and he held numerous positions within the American Waterski Association, all in the name of furthering the sport and sharing his love with others. Some of his proudest moments were spending time teaching his daughters and grandchildren to ski and sharing in all their accomplishments. He was an avid 3 event skier, with numerous Midwest Regional Jump records, Illinois State Overall and Jump records and National Jump records. The pinnacle of his career was winning the Over 65 Men's Jump World Title in Santiago, Chile in 2018, after recovering from a broken neck in 2015. He was a very active driver, judge and technical controller at waterski tournaments, and always willing to help out in any way he could. He was instrumental in supporting the University of Illinois Waterski Club, beginning in 1997, helping countless skiers learn and develop a love for competitive waterskiing.

Other pastimes included bowling and watching his beloved sports teams; the Cubbies, Bears, and Illini. He had weekly lunches with his longtime buddies, where they likely solved all the world's problems, but told no one. Dean's generosity was best seen as an always willing handyman, helping fix countless issues for friends and family, without ever asking for anything in return.

After retirement, Dean and Becky were blessed to be able to spend 10 years snow birding in Lake Worth, Florida, where they made some wonderful new "old" friends. They have traveled many places in their 49 plus years of marriage, especially loving any time spent together on a beach with a beer in hand.

A celebration of life will be held in Decatur, IL at a later day.  Until then as Dean would say "you just take care of yourself." In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the AWSA Midwest scholarship fund (checks can be made out to "American Waterski Association Midwest" and mailed to 350 South Gravel Pit Rd, Decatur, IL 62522) or an organization of your choice in Dean's name.