Richard E. Chapman, best known as “Chappy”, died peacefully Tuesday afternoon, May 21, 2013, at the Marion Manor following an extended illness. He was 86 years old.
On July 20, 1926, Richard was born in Marion, Ohio, one of six children of the late Fred and Alice (Ruth) Chapman. He attended Claridon Schools.
Leaving school early to join his fellow countrymen in the fight of World War II, Richard was a veteran of the U.S. Navy.
Upon his honorable discharge, Richard returned home to Marion, to finish school and where he found work at the Huber Manufacturing. Then, for over 25 years, Chappy worked at the Whirlpool Corporation as a tow motor operator, until his retirement in 1988.
On September 30, 1967, Richard married Donna (Jaggers) Chapman, whom he enjoyed over 42 years of marriage together. She preceded him in death on February 4, 2010.
A man of faith, Richard was a member of the Marion Church of Christ in Christian Union. He also was a charter member of the Waldo American Legion Post 605, where he served as a past commander. Later, he transferred to the Marion American Legion Post 584, where he became a life member of their post.
Chappy’s favorite past time was fishing, which he did any where he could find water and as often as he could. He especially enjoyed fishing at Lake Erie. He also loved watching OSU basketball, and playing cards and dominos with his family and friends.
Having a green thumb, Chappy enjoyed planting an “acre long vegetable garden, even though he really only needed two rows”. He always grew more than he knew what to do with, and loving giving his crop away to his family and friends. Very protective of his vegetables, animals knew to stay away from the many traps he had set.
To say Chappy was ornery was an understatement. He was always up to something, and loved catching you off guard.
He will be dearly missed by his five children: Gary Chapman, Sandra (Lauren Jr.) McNeil, both of Marion, Linda (Dana) Ludwig of Richwood, Brenda Chapman of Columbus, and Thomas (Annette) Chapman of Marysville; three step-children: Donald (Karen) Conley of Suffolk, VA, Diane Weary of Prospect, and K. Michael (Linda) Hoch of Stephenville, TX; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; two brothers: Charles “Bud” (Judy) Chapman and Bernard “Sam” Chapman; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife and parents, Chappy was preceded in death by two infant daughters: Cheryl and Sharon Chapman; a daughter-in-law, Carol Chapman; three brothers: Andrew, Jake and Vernie Chapman; and a sister, Isabelle Ulsh.
His family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Friday, May 24th, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services honoring his life will also be held there on Saturday at Noon, with Pastor Chris Braye officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the Marion County United Veterans Council will follow in Claridon Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Heinzerling Foundation, 1755 Heiznerling Dr., Columbus, OH 43323, where Brenda is being cared for.
On behalf of the Chapman family, they would like to give a heartfelt “Thank You” to all of the staff at the Marion Manor for their loving care of Chappy…for making him feel like part of their family.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Chappy’s family and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
About Marion Online Obituaries
