Donald Roy Chapman

Donald Roy Chapman left his family behind today June 10, 2012 as he skied off a mountaintop into fresh heavenly powder. Free from the weight of Alzheimer's disease and free to ski with joy, out of bounds at last! His educational background included graduating from St Joseph High School, Lake Michigan College, University of Michigan, University of Michigan Law School and the US Navy School of Justice. He served in the U.S Navy as Lieutenant with the Judge Advocate General's Office in Seattle, Washington. He also served his community as a Lincoln Township Trustee. During his professional career, Don was the co-owner and vice-president of Mid-West Timer Service in Benton Harbor, Michigan, and was a member of the Michigan State Bar Association. Don loved his Yellow Ford '55 Thunderbird, his other T-birds and '60 Corvette. He was a member of the Southwest Michigan Car Collectors Club and a life member of the Mayflower Society. His "barn" became a delight and folly for many years where he honed his skills as a car buff and collector. Enjoying his lakeside home, sunsets, dog friends, ski vacations, travels around the globe and family characterized a life well lived. A permanent legacy is left behind for his efforts facing the challenges of erosion on the shore of Lake Michigan. Using his creativity, his efforts included sand bagging and railroad ties, sea-wall building techniques, pouring concrete forms and planning for steel piling and rock tonnage to protect his home, as well as those of his neighbors. A husband, a father, a grandfather, an uncle and a friend, his blue eyes and wonderful smile will be missed. Left behind are his wife of 50 years, Gail Chapman and his children Karen Chapman Barron (Michael Barron) and Christopher Chapman (Krista Chapman), five grandchildren: Tim and Kate Barron, Gabriel, Andrew and Carter Chapman. Loving favorites of their "Unca Don"; Carole Howard, Kip and Bob Cosan, Kary Faber, Kyle and Dennis Hughes and Kane Howard. Brother, Jim Chapman and wife Shirley Chapman, nephews Bruce and Keith Chapman Preceding Don was his father, James Russell "Chappy" Chapman, Stella Chapman, step-mother Beatrice Tiefenbach Chapman. Special thank you to the loving and attentive caregivers from Woodland Terrace and Lakeland Hospice, and all his friends at Magnolia Court. Their help and devotion made his transition an easy one. A Memorial service will be announced at a later date. Memorials in his name may be made to the Alzheimer Association, via www.alz.org, and the Sarrett Nature Center. Arrangements are entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel, St. Joseph. Those wishing to leave and online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.