Luis B Chapa, Sr.

Luis B. Chapa, Sr., age 72, passed away Sunday, January 25, 2015, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. He left this world peacefully at Providence Hospice Place surrounded by many of his loved ones. Visitation will be Thursday, January 29, 2015 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, January 30, 2015 at the First Baptist Church in Groesbeck, with Reverend Tracy Sims officiating. Burial will follow in Faulkenberry Cemetery. Luis was born in Hobson, Texas on August 19, 1942 to Thomas and Juanita Chapa. He grew up in Lamesa and graduated from Lamesa High School in 1962. Shortly after, Luis enlisted in the Army National Guard and after training he became a tank commander and marksman. On May 26, 1962, Luis married the love of his life, Mary Morales. They later moved and settled in Groesbeck. Mr. and Mrs. Chapa eventually started their own business in 1979. After an overwhelming customer base at their initial small location for Tamale Inn, they built a new and larger restaurant a mile down Highway 14. Through the years, they not only fed many people from Groesbeck, Mexia, and the surrounding area on a regular basis, including more than one generation in some families, but the whole family including nieces and nephews worked in the restaurant and many friends were made with the customers. They retired from serving customers in 2014, although the Tamale Inn is still open today by family. Luis was known to have a great sense of humor and will be remembered for making everyone laugh. Mr. Chapa was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Virginia Vasquez; and his daughter, Yvette Roberts. He is survived by his wife, Mary Chapa; son, Luis M. Chapa; granddaughter, Victoria Chapa; grandson, Gavin Carpenter; great granddaughter, Aurora Michelle Garza; sisters, Susie Ramirez and Georgia Delagarza; niece, Gloria Morales; nephew Gabriel Morales; and many other nieces and nephews and extended family.