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BORN
1928
DIED
2016
Horace Chapman Obituary
1928 - 2015
Horace Chapman passed away on December 13, 2015, at the age of 87, in Wickenburg, Arizona.
Horace was born on March 23, 1928 to Francis Marion Chapman and Caroline Tressy (Callahan) Chapman.
The family lived in Boise and also on Grimes Creek, where Horace attended the Dagget Creek School.
At a young age of 12 years, Horace had a job with the Boise Bus Company and had managed to save over $300.00. Bill Adams and Horace's brother Earl, in need of cash through those hard times, invited Horace to join the Adams Ranch Partnership. They tried to carve out a living in and around the Adams Ranch home place near Idaho City. Horace's mom and dad's garden and canning kept both families in food when times were hard.
The "Boys" - Horace, Bill and Earl, though three were always referred to as one. Through the years, the Boys managed to acquire property and enjoyed working it logging, mining, farming and ranching. At one time, they owned the Adams Fencing Company. They loved to travel and a favorite place of theirs was Mexico. They spent their winters at their ranch in the Utah desert, which they later donated to the Boy Scouts of America.
Bill Adams passed away in 1980 and Earl Chapman passed away in 1999. It was at that time that Horace joined up with his sister "Puddin" (Zelma Foster) and began spending winters in Arizona. They enjoyed riding four wheelers and exploring. Many friends and family visited them during the winter months to go exploring with Horace and Puddin.
Horace served as a welder in the Army in 1945 and 1946 at Fort Lewis, Washington.
Horace, together with Barry Marcus, Craig Marcus and Sandy Sims, formed the Osprey Land Company. Horace was often seen riding around Adams Ranch on his four wheeler. He also hosted an annual pig roast each July. On July 9, 2016, the annual pig roast will be a celebration of Horace's life.
Horace was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Caroline; brother, Earl; and nephew, Gary Foster. He is survived by his sister, Puddin (Zelma Foster), one niece, four great nieces and nephews, eleven great great nieces and nephews, one great great great nephew and many good friends.
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Memories and Condolences
for Horace Chapman
Sponsored by The Idaho Statesman.
Michael Heaney
August 31, 2022
Michael Heaney
August 31, 2022
Michael Heaney
August 31, 2022
I met Horace many years ago when I traveled more than once from Rhode Island with our dear friend Ernie McCallum who passed away this past Sunday, August 28th, 2022 at the age of 88. The trip was to prospect, work existing claims, then relax, enjoy each other's company and have a glass of wine at the picnic table in late afternoon. If I chose to drink my own wine Horace always wondered why I would not share his boxed version. It became something we joked about. It was a special time in my life which I will always remember, most importantly the people and place that we shared. I loved and will always remember them both.
The photos attached are of Ernie and Horace at the Adams Ranch and another of Ernie and I as we left Rhode Island for Idaho in 2009.
Robert Phillips
December 18, 2020
My father moved to Boise in the '30s to start his own ranch, and purchased the land across the canyon. "The Boys", Bill, Earl and Horace, helped him learn the basics. Horace (all us kids called him "Horsey" and he loved it) along with Bill Adams and Earl were dear friends. Many an evening we would go to visit "The Boys" and sit and talk all evening.
My father and mother started the Boise Light Opera company and also taught formal voice training. The Boys went to many of the operas they presented and I remember them well. Good memories.
Horsey was always a polite, hospitable host. We loved him dearly.
Barry Marcus
April 12, 2019
Horace is friendship's ideal. He will always be with us.
Barry Marcus
April 12, 2019
Horace was friendship's ideal. He will always be with us.
Wallace Diteman
April 11, 2019
MISS HIM ALOT
Mark
October 12, 2018
Some of my earliest memories are of visiting the Adam's Ranch as a young boy. Some of my life's best lessons were learned there, the hard way. To share one story, I couldn't wait to get to the ranch to ride one of the motor bikes. I jumped on once and was promptly stopped and asked if I had checked the oil before I started it. Of course the answer was "No." I was banned from riding it for the day. Now, 50 years later, I always check the oil. I know that Horace bought many headstones for the graves of old friends that didn't have one, so they wouldn't be forgotten. That simple gesture of kindness earned a permanent memory in my mind. You, ol' friend will not be forgotten, either.
Margaret Morris
November 25, 2016
I was looking for Horace to tell him his friend Roger Morris from Sierra Vista AZ passed away Oct 31, 2016 but found that Horace also passed away. He was a good man and am so sorry that I did not know this last year. My condolences.
Danial Michael ( went by Casner)
June 20, 2016
Horse and Earl were like Grandpa's to me and my little brother when we lived on the granite ranch in southern Utah a ranch that they owned in the early to mid eighties, we will miss them and God May bless them amen! Step-son's to John W. Casner and son's to Wendy R. Casner ( Michael, ( Wheeler ). )
April 19, 2016
Uncle Horace was so full of wisdom and always ready to help. He was so much fun to explore with and learn new things from. He was a great teacher and full of laughter. He was a precious man and we will carry a piece of him with us always. Patti
April 18, 2016
Horace carried on the tradition of Bill Adams and his brother, Earl. Horace was as fine a man as ever walked this Earth. He was always a friend, guided by the highest principles of friendship. He was a man of integrity, trust and honesty. His word was his bond and his wisdom was his trademark. His memory will always inspire those who knew him. We are thankful that this inspiration lives with us today in his sister, Zelma, who is beloved and revered by all who know her. Barry and Craig Marcus. Boise, Idaho
Kim West
April 17, 2016
He was my heart and my best friend.That's so very rare to find these days. Love, Kim
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