Ralph William "Bill" Chapman Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Ralph William "Bill" Chapman, age 76, of Springfield, MO passed away on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at National Health Care in Joplin, MO. Bill, or "Billy" if you knew him in his youth, was born in Pierce City, MO on Monday, February 19, 1945; son of William Harold and Nadene (Robinson) Chapman. Mr. Chapman graduated from Pierce City High School in 1963, where he was in track, football, played the Tuba in band, and was in the glee club. A talented musician, he went on to play Tuba for the SMS band, sang in the SMS Choir and played in the National FFA Band. He was a Vietnam War Navy Veteran and was stationed at the Naval Base Coronado in San Diego. He served aboard two ships while in his service, the USS Bexar and USS Thomaston. Mr. Chapman obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from SMS in Springfield, MO and also received a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from Mizzou. He was a social studies teacher at Jefferson Junior High in Columbia, MO for many years before endeavoring into his second career by attending Nursing School. Mr. Chapman enjoyed helping people and worked as a nurse’s aide for over a decade at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, MO. Mr. Chapman was a devoted father and family member, who is remembered for always having a story for anyone who knew him. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, cook, and lover of dogs who was happy to tell stories about trips to Canada, deer hunting with his friends, fishing at Roaring River or rabbit hunting with his beloved dogs Star, Bullet, Sally, and Elmer. Known for his versatility, he was a hard worker who was equally at home on a wheat harvest, on a roofing job, a hospital floor, or in a classroom. He loved to travel, but deeply appreciated the beauty of the Ozarks. He was a past Master of the Strafford Masonic Lodge and enjoyed spending time and socializing with his lodge brothers. He learned to love video games just to spend more time with his son, and was known to play a mean game of Ms. Pac-man. He was especially a proud Grandpa to his granddaughter Orrin. Rather than sending flowers, he would have wanted everyone to do something nice for someone else in his name to remember him...along with relating a story or two he might have been involved in to someone else! Surviving him are his son and daughter-in-law, Justin and Valerie Chapman of Williamsburg, VA; and one granddaughter, Orrin Elise Chapman of Williamsburg, VA, along with his niece, Regina Tebow of Mt. Vernon, MO; and his nephew, Wade Carlin of Fargo, ND. He will be missed by many other extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Nadene Chapman; and his sister, Patricia Hayes. Mr. Chapman has been cremated at his request. Graveside memorial services, with Military Honors, will be at Schooling Cemetery (near Pierce City, MO) on Monday, June 20, 2022, beginning at 10:30 AM. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, MO.

Ralph William "Bill" Chapman

February 19, 1945 - September 21, 2021

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