Richard "Dick" Allan Chapman

Richard "Dick" Allan Chapman, age 88, of Swanton, Ohio, passed away peacefully, Monday morning, September 1, 2014, in Lawton, Michigan, where he resided near his son. He was born April 1, 1926 in Toledo, Ohio to Russell K. and Lola Mae (Fenstermaker) Chapman, and was a 1944 graduate of DeVilbiss High School. After early graduation, Dick enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January 1944 and served during WWII. In 1949, he obtained his Bachelors Degree from the University of Toledo where he was a member of Sigma Beta Phi fraternity. Dick married his beloved wife, Martha Lou Crans of Macon, Missouri on September 3, 1949. She preceded him in death after 56 years of marriage on September 8, 2005.

Dick was an insurance agent for 36 years, retiring in 1990. He was a member of Swanton American Legion Post #479, Swanton VFW Memorial Post #8598, and Valleywood Golf Club.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Richard Chapman and his wife Laura of Ladera Ranch, CA, Robert Chapman and his wife Mary of Grand Rapids, MI, and Terry Chapman and his wife Carmen of Lawton, MI; 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Nancy (Chapman) Shannon of Laguna Woods, CA. and many nieces and nephews across the country.

Besides his wife, Martha, Dick was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John Chapman; and sister, Betty Gene (Chapman) Jamra.

Dick was an avid outdoorsman who loved to spend time camping, fishing and golfing. During his retirement years he spent time with Martha and family and friends at his cottage on Pretty Lake, Indiana. He will be remembered for his ability to enjoy life to the fullest and to make people laugh.

Visitation will be held Saturday, September 6th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Weigel Funeral Home, 204 Chestnut St. in Swanton (419.826.2631), where a memorial service celebrating Dick's life will begin at 11:00 a.m. Private interment, with Military Rites, will follow at East Swanton Cemetery.

Residence: Lawton, Michigan; formerly of Swanton, Ohio

Visitation: Saturday, September 6th from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Weigel Funeral Home in Swanton

Memorial Service: Saturday, September 6th at 11:00 am in the Funeral Home

Private Interment with Military Rites: East Swanton Cemetery