Gerald LeRoy Chaplin

Gerald "PeeWee" LeRoy Chaplin, age 79, of Numa, passed away Thursday, July 11, 2024, at Ottumwa Regional Hospital.
PeeWee was born on August 30, 1944, in Redcloud, Nebraska. He was the son of Chester (Bernard) and Gertrude (Crable) Chaplin. He graduated from Seymour High School with the Class of 1962. Pee Wee was united in marriage to Rebecca Jean Miskimins on March 10, 1986 in Centerville. To this union two children were born, James and Gary.
PeeWee worked as a farmer throughout his life. He started farming at the age of 17, when he had to take over the family farm for his dad. At the age of 28, he decided to buy himself some ground and start his own farming operation. From livestock to crops to beekeeping, PeeWee knew what needed to be done. He was also heavily involved in the First Christian Church. In his free time, PeeWee enjoyed things such as fishing and gardening. He always enjoyed teaching the neighborhood children and listening to them when they talked, just like a grandfather. He was also an avid rock hunter, and could find rocks of all shapes, sizes, and color. He was also a soil commissioner for Appanoose County.
Left to honor PeeWee's memory are his wife, Rebecca; his sons, James Chaplin and Gary Chaplin; his sister, Bernadine Cowan; as well as several extended family members.
PeeWee was preceded in death by his parents, Chester (Bernard) and Gertrude and his brother, Charles Chaplin.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM Thursday, July 18, 2024 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville with Pastor Kay Singley officiating. Burial will be held at a later date. Visitation will take place Thursday, July 18, 2024 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville with the family greeting friends from 9:00-11:00AM. Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church or to the Gerald Chaplin family, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Chaplin Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.