Gary Chapman

1941 - 2014

Gary Chapman

Waukee

formerly South Des Moines

A Celebration of Life Service for Gary Dale Chapman, 72, will be held at Hamilton's Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street at 2:30 p.m. Monday, September 8, 2014. A private burial will take place at Waveland Cemetery in Prairie City, Iowa.

Gary was born in Springfield, MO to Clarence and Mildred (Andersen) Chapman. When he was 11, he moved to Orondo, WA where he enjoyed picking fruit in his parents' orchard. He played basketball for Eastmont High School and after graduation in 1959 joined the United States Navy to serve as a Chief Petty Officer. He worked as a radar man and enjoyed traveling to several places including Key West, Florida, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

In 1965, Gary moved to Des Moines and joined Plumbers and Steamfitters Local #33. During his 30+ years as a plumber for Cutler Corporation, he worked on numerous construction projects across the Des Moines metro area including Principle Park.

Gary was a man of great character who was blessed with many talents. He had the ability to hear a song once and then play it on the piano. He could fix almost anything and was constantly working on projects. He enjoyed working in the yard at his church, Clifton Heights Presbyterian Church, until it was closed. His other hobbies included basketball, bowling, golf, woodworking, remodeling, guitar, singing, camping, fishing, traveling, Tae Kwon Do, and watching the Iowa Hawkeyes.

He was in the process of earning his black belt in Tae Kwon Do and had made it to a high brown-belt when his life was complicated by a brain tumor in 2003. After surgery, he worked hard at rehab and learned how to talk and walk again. He was eventually able to resume doing many of the things he loved -just at a slower pace. Through all of the challenges he faced during the past 11 years, he managed to maintain his quick wit and keep his family laughing.

Gary is survived by Jewell (Beck) his wife of 48 years; his children; Faith Lovejoy, Tracy Oedzes, and Dr. John Chapman; two grandchildren; Kyle and Abby Oedzes; and his sisters Carolyn Johnson and Connie Prynne.

We would like to extend our thanks to Unity Point Hospice at Home as well as the staff at Taylor House for all of their caring assistance.

Memorial contributions in Gary's name may be directed to CROSS Ministries at Cottage Grove Presbyterian Church.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.