Francisco O. Chapa was called to be with his Heavenly Father on June 30, 2016 with his loving family by his side. He was 93. 

Mr. Chapa was born in Sinton, Texas on October 10, 1922. He shall be remembered for his devoted faith, love of family, and exemplary service to his nation.

Mr. Chapa answered his nation’s call to duty with service in the United States Army during World War II, during which he participated in the Allied D-Day landings at Normandy and fought under General George Patton at the Battle of the Bulge. He received several commendations for his actions, including the Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the American Theater Ribbon, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon with Silver Star Device, and two Purple Hearts one with an Oak Leaf Cluster. After concluding his military service in 1947, Mr. Chapa returned home on February 27, 1949. He married his wife Virginia and together they raised their six children and welcomed their grandchildren and great grandchildren into their family. 

Mr. Chapa was a longtime civil service employee at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi in Texas. After retirement he chose to work at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas. Dedicated to the ideal of equality in education, Mr. Chapa worked alongside Dr. Hector P. Garcia and the American G.I Forum and together were able to win a segregation lawsuit brought against Odem ISD. He was instrumental instilling equality to the community of Odem. 

His commitment to the greater good and his bravery both in military combat and in the American struggle for civil rights are commendable examples of how Frank Chapa has set a standard for future generations. His work will long be treasured by his loved ones and all who knew this admirable man from Odem, Texas. Anyone who had the opportunity to hear one of Francisco Chapa's many stories is enlightened and truly blessed to have learned humility and the struggle for what is right by this humble man. He is symbolic of the American Dream and his legacy should not be forgotten but rather learned from by generations succeeding his time here on Earth. God bless you Frank Chapa and thank you for everything you have given everyone. Rest peacefully in heaven with your wife of 66 years, Virginia; your siblings; your granddaughter, Valerie Garcia and son-in-law Alan Torres. 

Survivors include children: Lydia (Augustine) Romero of Portland, Texas; Lynda Chapa Torres of Odem, Texas; Frank Chapa, Jr. of Odem, Texas; Mindy (Ignacio) Trevino of Corpus Christi, Texas; Diego (Millie) Chapa of Victoria, Texas and Lottie (Jesse Falcon) Chapa of Odem, Texas. Brother: Benito (Mary Lou) Chapa of Aurora, Illinois; sisters: Leonor Garcia, Mary Cruz (Jessie) Corona and Eva Garcia, all of Houston, Texas; Alicia (Ray) Sanchez of Odem, Texas; 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 5 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel, Sinton. A rosary will be held the same evening 7:00 PM, at Sacred Heart Church, Odem. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, July 6, 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart Church, Odem. Burial will follow in San Pedro Cemetery, Odem.

Pallbearers will be Brian Romero, Aaron Romero, Nicholas Chapa, Christopher Trevino, Patrick Trevino, Andre Chapa, Alex Chapa and Dustin Garcia.

“Everyone experienced the touch of his blessing as they departed whether by foot, car or plane feeling the faith and devotion though his special blessing in the form of the sign of the cross."

Arrangements and care entrusted Resthaven Funeral Home, Sinton.

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