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Wilbur Chapman Obituary
Son of Penrose E. and Mariette Chapman of Webster Groves, MO. He served his country in World War II, was wounded in France receiving the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Working at P.E. Chapman Electrical Works he felt called to missionary service. Graduate of Wheaton College and Moody Bible Institute IL. He married Grace Paulsen of Thomaston, ME in 1951.
They joined The Evangelical Alliance Mission as missionaries for 36 years on Curacao, Netherlands Antilles. Serving as Bible teacher, evangelist, bookkeeper, and publisher of church materials in the language of Papiamentu. He then served as deacon at Providence Baptist Church and volunteer at Trans World Radio in Cary, NC. They also volunteered at Christian Literature Crusade bookstores in England, Scotland and Florida.
Wilbur was greatly influenced and directed in his life by the Bible verses in Romans 11:33 - 12:2. "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever!" His goal was to walk with God and glorify Him. He desired only to be remembered as a servant of the Lord, blessed by God.
He is survived by his wife, Grace of 56 years and his four children and spouses: Wilbur, Jr. and Morgan Chapman of Raleigh, RuthAnn C. and George Hall of Parkersburg, Nancy of Curacao, and Paul and Christina of Lisle, IL; nephew, P.E. Chapman III (Laddie) of Minnesota; 13 grandchildren, Timothy, Carla (Bittner), and Christie Chapman; Hannah and Deborah Hall; Eugene Mack; Julianna (Simmert), Lucas, Natalie, Christina, Abigail, Daniella, and Rachel Chapman; four great- grandchildren, Tyler and Logan Bittner, Elianna and Caden Simmert.
Contributions in his honor in lieu of flowers can be sent to TEAM, Box 969, Wheaton IL, 60189-0969 (www.teamworld.org); or to Trans World Radio, P.O. Box 8700, Cary, NC 27512-8700 (www.twr.org).
Condolences can be sent to: 2109 11th Ave., Parkersburg, WV 26101-6144, or wilburchapmanaol.com
The funeral service celebrating his life will take place at Providence Baptist Church on Glenwood Ave., in Raleigh, NC on Monday July 30th at 5:00 p.m. The internment will be at Valhalla Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wilbur Chapman
Raymond Pieternella
November 3, 2024
I knew Mr Chapman as a missionary in Curacao. They were both a loving and hard working family. I worked with him during my summers volunteering printing gospel tracks. He was the one that suggested that I study at a Christian university called Le Tourneau University. I still remember his kind voice. God bless the Chapman family for the sacrifices they made in leaving their families behind to be missionaries in Curacao.
Tim Irwin
April 2, 2021
I miss Wilbur. I miss his always-happy demeanor. I miss his servant's heart to help anyone in need. I miss his desire to be used by God wherever that might be, regardless of how menial the task might seem to others. I miss his humility and joy. Wilbur is missed because he was such a special person.
Racelia Rozeboom-Gunderson
August 2, 2007
Thanking God for Wilbur's faithful service to the Lord. You both have been a wonderful examples of the faith and have worn the "Robes of Christ well".
I know Wilbur has heard the words of Christ.."well done thou good and faithful servant..."
Tina Chiapetta
August 2, 2007
Dear Grace and Family,
You and Wilbur have modeled for me true Christianity. I count it a privilege to have known Wilbur. Countless lives will make Heaven their home because of your faithfulness to our Lord. Thank you and may God comfort you.
Betty & Don Paulsen
July 31, 2007
Dear Grace,
Our prayer are with you. Can't wait to see you and Ruth-Ann. Love Betty & Don
Don & Pat Ross
July 31, 2007
Grace, Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your childres, and grandchildren at this time and we're looking forward to seeing you soon. Love
Mike and Patti Fussell
July 29, 2007
Wilbur's faithful and humble daily
walk with our Lord will forever stand as an inspiration to all that he came into contact with.
The family of faith at Providence will miss this sweet servant.
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