Fred Wayland Chapman

Fred Wayland Chapman was born Dec. 12, 1913, in Stroud, Okla., to Pleasant and Hattie Edmondson Chapman. He passed away from this life on Sept. 14, 2008, at the age of 94 years 9 months and 2 days.

As a 2-year-old he moved with his family in a covered wagon from Oklahoma to Milford, Mo. His childhood spent in Milford and Lamar, Mo. The family relocated several times, but Fred's life was spent in Missouri except for about four years near Mound City, Kan.

In 1934, the Chapman family moved to Vernon County where he met the two most significant persons in his life. During a revival meeting, in a small country church, Fred met Jesus his Savior whom he served faithfully and with Him he now resides. Also, he met a young lady, Iva Wothington, who was attending the same meeting. Fred and Iva were married March 18, 1936. This last march they celebrated their 72nd anniversary.

Three girls were born to Fred and Iva: Shirley, Evelyn, and Sharon. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

In 1980, after 45 years as a farmer, mostly in Vernon County, he retired from the farm and he and Iva moved to El Dorado Springs, where he spent the ret of his life. His continuing interest in the farm was worked out in a small garden and lawn which he tended himself until the last few weeks of his life. Fred and Iva were faithful members of Union Hall Baptist Church, where they attended regularly up until their health no longer permitted. They made fond and lasting friendships among the church family at Union Hall.

Fred was preceded in death by two brothers, Eugene and Don; and two sisters, Elsie Hall and Murriel Smith.

He is survived by his wife, Iva; and three daughters and their husbands, Shirley and Leon Caskey, Evelyn and Larry Warden, and Sharon and Don Brenton. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Fred Chapman will be held on Friday, Sept. 19, at the Hackleman Chapel, at 10:30 a.m., with a visitation from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Don Brenton will officiate the service and Ruth Brown will provide music. Interment will follow in Hume Cemetery, at 2 p.m., under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Robbie Caskey, Randy Caskey, Ronnie Caskey, Darin Locke, Rick Warden, and Blake Brenton.