Ronald Chapman

Ronald William Chapman, Sr., 81, of Chillicothe, left this world on April 15th, 2015 to be reunited with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He also joined all of his loved ones that went before him and were waiting for him at the gates of heaven. He was born in Queens, New York on June 11, 1933 to Guy M. and Margaret E. (Marlow) Chapman. He spent most of his childhood growing up in Pittsfield, New Hampshire before moving back to New York City as a teenager. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at the age of 17 and served in both the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. While stationed at Stewart Air Force Base in Newburg, New York, he met his lifelong love and soulmate, Betty Jean Bennett. They were united in marriage on April 15, 1961 at the base chapel. Their life adventure together began with his service of 22 ½ years to his country, taking them to Ramstein, Germany; Dyess, Texas; Elmendorf, Alaska, and Travis, California. God blessed their union with two children, Jeanne and Ron, Jr. After his retirement as a Tech Sargent from the Air Force in September 1973, they put roots down in Ohio and settled in Chillicothe. Ron began his second career working for the U.S Postal Service as a clerk in the Chillicothe Post Office from 1974-1997. Ron gave his life to Jesus at an early age but began truly serving his Lord when he was baptized at Chillicothe Baptist Church in February 1990. He served there as a deacon and an usher and also had many parts in the drama productions put on by the church. He was also the church custodian from 2003-2006, giving and serving wherever he was needed. His greatest joy was his family and the memories made from special times spent together. He loved family vacations to Myrtle Beach and spent many hours on the beach surf fishing with his kids and grandkids. Ron is survived by his wife, Betty (Bennett), his daughter Jeanne (George) Lavender, his son Ron, Jr. (Marina) Chapman; grandchildren, Shay (Mont) Steele, Dustin (Krista) Lavender, Heidi (BJ) Hensley, Jason (Shannon) Daily, Rob Chapman, Maranda (Brad) Liptak; great-grandchildren, Halie and Grace Hensley, Amanda and Audrey Liptak, Anilyn Steele, Josephine Daily, and another great-grandchild expected in October; a brother Guy (Nancy) Chapman of Bangor, Maine; a special cousin, Joan Schwartz of Morristown, New Jersey; and many sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces and nephews. Ron was also an animal lover and leaves behind his three dogs, Beanie, Lillie and Dobie and his cat, GrayC. He was predeceased by his parents and his father-in-law, Lou Bennett, and mother-in-law, Arrietta Bennett. The family would like to thank the staff at Adena Hospice for their love and kindness they gave to our family during Ron's illness. A special thanks to his nurse, Cindy and his social worker, Catherine. Viewing hours will be observed on Sunday, April 19th, 2015 from 2:00-6:00p.m. at Haller's Funeral Home. Funeral services will be on Monday, April 20th 2015 at 11:00a.m. at Chillicothe Baptist Church with Reverends Tim Cline and John Burris officiating. Viewing hours will also be held one hour prior to the funeral. Burial will follow in Grandview Cemetery with military honors being observed. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Chillicothe Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 484, Chillicothe, Ohio, 45601 or Adena Health Foundation, Friends of Hospice, 2077 Western Avenue, Chillicothe, Ohio, 45601. His online memorial register is available at www.HallerFuneralHome.com.
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