Earl Eugene Chapman

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Earl Eugene Chapman, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and beloved community member. Earl left us peacefully on December 7, 2025, at the age of 83.
Earl was born on August 11, 1942 in Evansville, IN to Earl Chapman Sr. and Lucille Marx, and raised by stepmother, Ruby Chapman. He graduated from Central High School in 1960 and later retired as a Detective with the Evansville Police Department in 1999 after serving 28 years. After retiring with the police department he went on to work for and later retire with Matrix Corporation.
Throughout his distinguished career, Earl earned a reputation as a diligent and compassionate detective known for his commitment to solving cases and helping victims. His colleagues admired him not only for his investigative skills but also for his unwavering integrity and kindness towards others. Earl's approachable demeanor and infectious laughter brought warmth to the precinct and the many lives he touched throughout his career.
Earl was proud to be one of the first inductees into the Evansville Police Department Hall of Fame in 2010. In 2014, he was inducted into the Highland Legend Baseball Hall of Fame. Throughout his career he received numerous awards including in 1989 National Exchange Club Police Officer of the Year, 1993 Evansville Police Department Gold Merit Award, and 1998 FBI Appreciation Award.
Earl was a member of the Riverbend Association, Evansville Athletic Club, and Fraternal Order of Police.
Earl was the kind of person who never met a stranger. No matter where he went, he had an uncanny ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. His friendly demeanor and warm smile made people feel instantly at ease. One of his unique talents was coming up with nicknames for everyone he met, often doing so within moments of their introduction. Earl would look for something special about each person and spin it into a catchy nickname. This not only made interactions more fun but also created a sense of connection and familiarity in a world that often feels impersonal. People would leave their encounters with Earl smiling, not just because of his charm but also because they felt special and recognized through his playful monikers.
In Earl's earlier years, his passions went beyond his professional life. He was a skilled griller, often participating in contests with his famous ribs and chickens.
In 1960, Earl married his high school sweetheart, Donna Putnam. Together they raised two sons, Randy and Kurt Chapman. He loved watching his sons and, later, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in sports and activities.
Surviving Earl are his wife of 65 years, Donna Sue "Lil Darlin" Chapman; a son and daughter-in-law Randy "Poss" and Lori "Elsie" Chapman; and son and daughter-in law Kurt "Turtle" and Leah "1/2 pint" Chapman; grandchildren, Korey "Buddy" Chapman (Lydia "Lydie"), Amber "Bamber" Wittenbraker (Bryan "Dewitt"), Kamron "Kamman" Chapman; and Bailey "Beetle" Reed (Brandon "Cokeman"); six great grandchildren, Kodey "Colonel", Bracie "Biscuit", Max "Maxie", Brooks "Little River", Baylor "Gravy", Kalli "Lil Kal" and his beloved dog Peaches; brother Mark Chapman; sisters Linda Chittenden and Dixie Miles and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Earl was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Chapman; and sisters Carolyn Frenz, Arnetta Howard (Sis), and Shirley Thacker.
A celebration of Earl's life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Browning Funeral Home, 738 E. Diamond Ave., Evansville, IN 47711 with Judge Robert Pigman officiating. Burial will follow at Alexander Memorial Park Cemetery.
Friends may visit with the family from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday, December 12, 2025 at Browning Funeral Home, the family requests that you wear your favorite IU, Colts, Notre Dame, or St. Louis Cardinals attire for the visitation. Visitation will continue from 10:00 am until service time on Saturday.
Memorial contributions may be made to Fraternal Order of the Police Lodge 73 Pal Camp, 801 Court St., Evansville, IN 47708.
Earl's spirit will be deeply missed, but the joyful moments he created will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. His legacy of love, justice, and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him.