Ben Burton Chapman

1928 - 2011

Ben Burton Chapman, 83, of Ojai, passed away Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011, at Community Memorial Hospital due to complications following surgery.

Ben was born Nov. 9, 1928, in Buffalo, Mo., to George W. and Lee Vera Bradley Chapman. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Springfield, Mo., where Ben attended elementary and junior high school. When he was 14 he was selling newspapers on a street corner in Springfield, and later delivered telegrams for Western Union on his bicycle. The family relocated to Santa Barbara in 1944, and Ben attended high school there. At the age of 17 he went out on his own, working for a time in Tulsa, Okla., and then returning to Springfield, Mo. He worked at Weber's Bread Bakery for over a year and later drove a taxi cab.

Ben enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1951. He went through boot camp in San Diego; was stationed in Jacksonville, Fla., first and then in Millington, Tenn., near Memphis. It was in Memphis that he met the one and only love of his life, Joyce Farmer. They were married March 20, 1953. One week later Ben was sent to El Toro Marine Base in Tustin, Calif. Joyce followed soon after. They lived in Tustin until Ben was discharged from the Marines in December 1953.

After his discharge, they moved to Santa Barbara where Ben went to work for Safeway Stores, Inc.; a career that would span 33 years. In a very short time, Ben was promoted to produce manager. He worked in several stores in Santa Barbara and Ventura. When Safeway opened their new Ojai store in 1960, Ben transferred from Ventura as manger of the produce department. Ben, Joyce and their son moved to Ojai. They have lived in Ojai since that time.

Ben was a member of the Retail Clerks Union, Local #899 (now 770). He served as a vice-president on the board for several years. When he retired from Safeway he was awarded an honorary life membership in the union.

From the time he was 11 years old when his sister Vi gave him a guitar, Ben loved music, especially country. While still working for Safeway, he put together three different bands. They played every weekend in Santa Barbara, Ventura or Ojai. In 1974, Ben and a friend, Paul Hoots, started the Eighth District of the California State Old Time Fiddlers Association in Oak View. When Paul passed away a year later, there was talk of stopping District Eight, but Ben insisted they try to keep it going. He worked very hard at that task, and the district thrived and is still successful today. Ben has served as an officer on the board of directors, either as president, vice-president or an advisor since 1974. He was currently the vice-president. He is a life member of the association.

Ben was a member of the Ojai Church of Christ where he led the song service twice a month until his death. Ben loved spending time with his church family at worship as well as socially. Among his favorite events were the monthly potlucks and the Christmas party.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Clyde and Clifford; sisters, Viola Knoll and Marie Hersh. Ben is survived by Joyce, his wife of nearly 59 years; daughter, Billie Flippo of Springfield, Mo., and her children, Diane Couch of Brownwood, Texas, Michelle Edwards of Bellevue, Neb., and Jeri Bridges of Springfield; his son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Melissa Chapman of Newbury Park, and their daughters, Shannon (Dale) Airton of South Africa, Brianne (Derek) Leavitt of Santa Monica, and Vanessa Chapman of San Francisco; four great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews.

During his lifetime, Ben had many interests including skating, motorcycle riding, fishing, hunting, collecting (lots of things), yard sales, but his three main loves were his family, church and music. You were very loved Ben, and you will be missed.

Visitation will take place 4 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Services will take place 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, also at Ted Mayr Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park. Memorial donations may be made to the Ojai Church of Christ, 448 North Montgomery Street, Ojai, CA 93023.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.