Ivan Lee Chapuis, age 85, of Sahuarita, AZ, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed from this life to a blessed eternal life with his Heavenly Father Monday, April 6, 2020.

Lee was born March 16, 1935 in Stockport, Iowa, the son of the late Ivan and Iris Chapuis.

Lee cherished his wife, Betty Nell Chapuis, and loved his family above all else. He was a "bigger than life" personality who regularly entertained family and friends with his tales of real life adventures he had while serving in the United States Border Patrol and United States Customs Service. He enjoyed watching a myriad of sports and was the biggest fan of his grandchildren's and great grandchildren's sporting and outdoor activities. Lee loved Jesus and lived life in a way that reflected the love of Jesus to others. He was an upright, honest, kind, and loyal man who will be greatly missed by his family and a vast myriad of friends.

Lee's 36 year career with the United States Customs Service was decorated with many honors and awards.  Among other distinguished honors, he was awarded the key to the city of El Paso by Mayor Suzy Azar in January of 1993.

Lee is preceded in death by his parents, Ivan Clay Chapuis and Iris Brown Chapuis, and one son, Randall Clay Chapuis.

He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 65 years, Betty Nell Chapuis, of Sahuarita, Arizona; two children and their spouses, Rebecca and Bill Lee, of Hot Springs, Arkansas and Ronald and Bonnie Chapuis, of Livingston, Texas; five grandchildren, Erin and Roger Ault of Donaldson, AR; Beth and Samuel Baroi of Benton, AR; Byron and Mandy Chapuis of Brighton, CO; Nathan Chapuis of Pflugerville, TX; and Clayton and Meredith Chapuis of Bentonville, AR; six great grandchildren, Hope Ault of Donaldson, AR; Caleb and Anna-Claire Baroi of Benton, AR; Carter Chapuis of Brighton, CO; Graham and Peter Chapuis of Bentonville, AR; one sister and her spouse, Delyte and Clark Butts of Killeen, TX; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Because of Lee's Christ-centered legacy, his family does not grieve without hope because we know our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend is in heaven, and we will be reunited with him someday. (Based on I Thessalonians 4:13-18)

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you make a donation to ALSAC/St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 in memory of Ivan Lee Chapuis or you may donate online at www.stjude.org .