Larry Earl Chapple

Larry Earl Chapple, 83, of Idaho Falls, passed away at home on June 3, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Larry was born on September 14, 1942, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Russell and Nellie Cleverly Chapple. As a young boy on a farm, his love for horses developed into a lifelong passion. For over 60 years, Larry participated in horse and chariot racing, contributing significantly to the horse racing industry in Idaho.

Larry graduated from Bonneville High School in 1960, the only member of his family to earn a high school diploma. Later, he married Allonna Gneiting. Together, they raised four children: Evy Jo, Rone, Kathy, and Larry Jake. Larry expressed often how proud of and grateful he was for his family.

To support his young family, Larry worked many jobs. Eventually, he became a skilled carpenter and founded C & H Construction. Years later, he started Larry Chapple Company. He specialized in concrete and built many projects throughout Idaho. He partnered in various ventures over the years from car washes and post offices to subdivisions. He funded and built the Grandstand at Sandy Downs as part of his dedication and efforts to try and keep horse racing alive in Idaho.

In 2005, Larry was able to fulfill his lifelong dream of a horse ranch for breeding, raising and training race horses. Larry Chapple Ranch was complete with a beautiful home, riding arena, and barn. A new colt in the Spring and watching the horses run free in the pastures brought a profound sense of renewal and peace.

Larry worked everyday on the ranch until his final days, through the pains of aging with calloused hands and an overworked back, because it's what he loved to do. He overcame many obstacles in his life. He was a quiet man with a witty sense of humor and a generous heart. He quietly helped friends, family, and strangers all throughout his life. His word was true, and promises made were promises kept. With broken hearts, we say goodbye for now. We love you, dad, and are forever grateful for you.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Allonna; his granddaughter, Kaylee; his parents; his sisters, Donna Landon and Beth Smout; and his brothers, Jay, Bob, Rex, Ronnie, and Russell Chapple.

He is survived by his children, Evy Jo (Pete) Gilstrap, Rone (Curtis) Bateman, Kathy (Troy) Tawzer, and L. Jake (Kristy) Chapple; as well as 14 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Black Canyon Ward, 4459 John Adams Parkway. The family will visit with friends Friday, June 12, 2026, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, and Saturday from 12:30-1:45 p.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Grant-Central Cemetery.