Donald
Donald P. Chapman
Donald Paul Chapman went peacefully into the presence of the Lord on Saturday, November 30, 2019.
He was born in 1930 to parents, Roy and Iva Chapman. Don was a 1948 Plainwell High School graduate. He was employed by Schafer’s Bakery as a delivery salesman for 33 years. Following his retirement he fulfilled a dream of being in law enforcement by joining the Allegan County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy in the Marine Division. He spent the next 13 years in service on the lakes of Allegan County and teaching boating safety at several schools in the county.
Don loved the out-of-doors, enjoying especially tennis and softball. He was a deer hunter for over 70 years, hunting mostly in the Iron and Presque Isle counties of northern Michigan. He was married to Joanne Brown in 1949, celebrating 70 years of marriage this year.
Don was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He left us with a legacy of many cherished and fun memories and will be missed greatly by his family.
Surviving are his wife; sons, Michael of Brighton, Mark, John (Linda) and Aaron (Kathy) all of Kalamazoo and Eric (Jodi) of Allegan; fifteen grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and his brother, Dale (Leslie) Chapman.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, David; son, Jeffrey and daughter-in-law, Patty.
According to his wishes, cremation has taken place.
Friends may visit with Don’s family starting at 9:00 A.M., Thursday, December 5, 2019 at the First Baptist Church in Plainwell until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor George Osborn and Pastor Doug Kranenburg officiating.
Contributions in memory of Donald may be made to First Baptist Church of Plainwell or
Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan
.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
.
Offer Condolence for the family of Donald P. Chapman
Condolence Messages
Linda Uminn Hughes
December 2, 2019 at 3:58 pm
My condolences to the family
Since I was a little girl he was always such a nice man and a friend to my dad
Reply
Stephen Chapman
December 2, 2019 at 4:09 pm
So very sorry for your loss. Sending all our love from all The Chapman Family in Florida and Kalamazoo. Sending prayers your way.
Reply
Judy Borgic
December 2, 2019 at 5:06 pm
John and family,
You have my deepest sympathy. Your Dad taught many classes of boating safety at Otsego Middle School. I always enjoyed his stories and his smile. He truly had a passion for his work. Thinking of you and your family and keeping all in my prayers. Judy Borgic
Reply
Steve and Mary Schuiteboer
December 2, 2019 at 5:17 pm
Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. We send prayers of strength at this difficult time.
Reply
Penny Pulver Baker
December 2, 2019 at 5:31 pm
To Joanne and Chapman boys: So very sorry to hear about your husband and dad. I remember him from forever. He had a great voice in Otsego United Methodist Choir.
Penny Pulver Baker
Reply
Jan (Ellwood) Myers-Carpenter
December 2, 2019 at 6:01 pm
Joanne and family, I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I’ll never forget the kind man that he was and
he always had a smile for me. I’ve known you all most of my life and could not think of better people.
Treat yourselves kindly and let time and memories be your friend. He will be watching over you at
peace and waiting for that great reunion in Heaven. I’ll always remember him.
Jan (Ellwood)Myers-Carpenter
Reply
Doug Wood
December 3, 2019 at 3:46 am
John and all your great family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your dad was also so kind to me, welcoming, good humored, and interested in all we did together as friends. I remember him and your mom with much happiness and appreciation. Enjoy your family time together in this time of both sadness and celebration of a life well lived.
Your friend,
Doug Wood
Reply
Johnny Oisten
December 2, 2019 at 6:07 pm
So sorry to hear about your husband father he was a great man he always talked to Pam at church he will be missed dearly
Reply
Jerry and Dinah Howrigon
December 2, 2019 at 6:28 pm
So very sorry to of Don’s passing. So lucky to have known him. Love and prayers to family.
Reply
Jerry haight
December 2, 2019 at 8:08 pm
Sorry to hear that Don passed I grew up in the sixth street neighborhood.
Reply
Patti (Khodl) Hewitt
December 2, 2019 at 8:09 pm
To Joanne and family,
It was a long goodbye that you and your entire family have endured, as well as Don. You can take solace that you all took great loving care of Don to meet his needs with loving devotion.
Reply
Carol Watson
December 2, 2019 at 9:28 pm
John and family, So sorry to here of your loss . My thoughts and prayer are with you ! May the good Lord comfort you !
Reply
Sherry Schumaker
December 2, 2019 at 10:03 pm
John and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved dad. Your father was a wonderful man who raised wonderful sons and your family has served this community in many ways and given so much. My deepest condolences in this very difficult time to all of you. I will be praying for your family as you begin to navigate life without him.
Reply
Darl and Joyce Gilliland
December 2, 2019 at 10:20 pm
Dear Joanne and all of the Chapman boys,
Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. Don always had a kind word, a great smile and a friend to all. I remember the family from church many years ago when we were growing up and many happy memories. May you feel the prayers being said for your family during this difficult time.
Love to you all, Darl and Joyce Gilliland
Reply
James Harvey
December 2, 2019 at 10:35 pm
Warm and Wonderful Man.
God Bless
Reply
Mike and Teresa Fleeman
December 2, 2019 at 10:51 pm
Mike and will miss him he was a great neighbor and friend prayers to Joanne and her sons goodbye to a great man
Reply
Doug Wood
December 3, 2019 at 3:48 am
John and all your great family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your dad was also so kind to me, welcoming, good humored, and interested in all we did together as friends. I remember him and your mom with much happiness and appreciation. Enjoy your family time together in this time of both sadness and celebration of a life well lived.
Your friend,
Doug Wood
Reply
Nancy (Rector) Zeluff
December 3, 2019 at 8:08 am
Joanne and Family: I am deeply sadden by the loss of Don. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Nancy Zeluff
Reply
RETA SMITH
December 3, 2019 at 9:46 am
Joanne and family – My deepest sympathy on your loss of Don! I feel privilaged to have known him at Royal Estates for 12 yrs! Your whole family will be in my prayers for comfort in knowing he is at peace now.
Reply
Keith Brouwer
December 3, 2019 at 9:55 am
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing, thoughts and prayers for all of the family in this difficult time.
Reply
Emily Mills
December 3, 2019 at 7:04 pm
Joann, Aaron, John and families- I’m sad to hear of Don’s passing. I’ve known him since I was in high school as Band Dad to Jeff and John to delivering bread at Harding’s to the Marine Division at the Sheriffs Dept. He always had time to visit and I treasure those memories. What a great man who loved God and his family. He will be missed.
Reply
Tam Leonard
December 3, 2019 at 9:13 pm
Thinking of you Dearest Mrs Chapman and boys during this difficult time!
Hugs and GOD Bless you all~
DON.. was a Good man! You were so Blessed!
Hugs… old neighbors Tammy Pfau Leonard and little brother Don Pfau
Reply
Diana Chappel
December 4, 2019 at 12:28 am
Joanne, I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He always had wonderful stories and I loved running into him when he was taking his morning walks. He was a great neighbor and I will miss him. May God comfort you during this difficult time.
Reply
Shaun Bonnell
December 4, 2019 at 9:29 am
To the whole Chapman family, I’m sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I have fond memories of Don teaching the boater’s safety class at the middle school and have heard many great stories from Dad about life growing up next door to the Chapman’s. Our prayers go out to the whole family.
Reply
Kevin
December 4, 2019 at 2:23 pm
Aaron my thoughts are with you and your family. Kevin
Reply
John and Diane Glessner
December 4, 2019 at 8:30 pm
Dearest Joann, John and family,
We are very sad to hear about your wonderful husband and fathers passing. He was always a kind gentleman. May God give you all His almighty peace and strength as you mourn but also celebrate his life.
In Christ’s Love, John and Diane Glessner
Reply
Steve and Becky Swope
December 5, 2019 at 1:49 pm
To the Chapman family – Becky and I are sorry to hear of Don’s passing. May God comfort and encourage you with the Sure Hope of a Great Reunion in Heaven because Don knew Jesus (and now KNOWS Him in a newer, glorious way). Revelation 21: Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Reply
Jo Survilla
December 5, 2019 at 7:05 pm
As a family, your remembrances made the memorial so meaningful; he would have been delighted with your stories even if he had corrections. He must have been proud of every one of you.
Reply
Susan Venen Bock
December 6, 2019 at 12:16 pm
Eric and Aaron,
Thoughts are with you and your family. Your Dad was a great man and his successful life and legacy lives on in his family.
Reply
Tim Campbell
December 6, 2019 at 3:08 pm
I remember him coming to Otsego Middle School and teaching us boating safety.
Reply
Lynne Bullock Livingston
December 6, 2019 at 3:15 pm
Dear Chapman family, I am so sorry to have missed the service for your Dad/Husband. SO many sweet and funny memories of growing up in the neighborhood. Hugs n prayers!
Reply
John R Cross
December 12, 2019 at 8:25 pm
I met Don several years ago when I was a Sheriff Deputy in Kalamazoo County. He was such a nice man and a pleasure to talk to. Sorry to hear of his passing. He will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace Don.
Reply
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He was born in 1930 to parents, Roy and Iva Chapman. Don was a 1948 Plainwell High School graduate. He was employed by Schafer’s Bakery as a delivery salesman for 33 years. Following his retirement he fulfilled a dream of being in law enforcement by joining the Allegan County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy in the Marine Division. He spent the next 13 years in service on the lakes of Allegan County and teaching boating safety at several schools in the county.
Don loved the out-of-doors, enjoying especially tennis and softball. He was a deer hunter for over 70 years, hunting mostly in the Iron and Presque Isle counties of northern Michigan. He was married to Joanne Brown in 1949, celebrating 70 years of marriage this year.
Don was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He left us with a legacy of many cherished and fun memories and will be missed greatly by his family.
Surviving are his wife; sons, Michael of Brighton, Mark, John (Linda) and Aaron (Kathy) all of Kalamazoo and Eric (Jodi) of Allegan; fifteen grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and his brother, Dale (Leslie) Chapman.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, David; son, Jeffrey and daughter-in-law, Patty.
According to his wishes, cremation has taken place.
Friends may visit with Don’s family starting at 9:00 A.M., Thursday, December 5, 2019 at the First Baptist Church in Plainwell until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor George Osborn and Pastor Doug Kranenburg officiating.
Contributions in memory of Donald may be made to First Baptist Church of Plainwell or
Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan
.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
.
Offer Condolence for the family of Donald P. Chapman
Condolence Messages
Linda Uminn Hughes
December 2, 2019 at 3:58 pm
My condolences to the family
Since I was a little girl he was always such a nice man and a friend to my dad
Reply
Stephen Chapman
December 2, 2019 at 4:09 pm
So very sorry for your loss. Sending all our love from all The Chapman Family in Florida and Kalamazoo. Sending prayers your way.
Reply
Judy Borgic
December 2, 2019 at 5:06 pm
John and family,
You have my deepest sympathy. Your Dad taught many classes of boating safety at Otsego Middle School. I always enjoyed his stories and his smile. He truly had a passion for his work. Thinking of you and your family and keeping all in my prayers. Judy Borgic
Reply
Steve and Mary Schuiteboer
December 2, 2019 at 5:17 pm
Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. We send prayers of strength at this difficult time.
Reply
Penny Pulver Baker
December 2, 2019 at 5:31 pm
To Joanne and Chapman boys: So very sorry to hear about your husband and dad. I remember him from forever. He had a great voice in Otsego United Methodist Choir.
Penny Pulver Baker
Reply
Jan (Ellwood) Myers-Carpenter
December 2, 2019 at 6:01 pm
Joanne and family, I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I’ll never forget the kind man that he was and
he always had a smile for me. I’ve known you all most of my life and could not think of better people.
Treat yourselves kindly and let time and memories be your friend. He will be watching over you at
peace and waiting for that great reunion in Heaven. I’ll always remember him.
Jan (Ellwood)Myers-Carpenter
Reply
Doug Wood
December 3, 2019 at 3:46 am
John and all your great family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your dad was also so kind to me, welcoming, good humored, and interested in all we did together as friends. I remember him and your mom with much happiness and appreciation. Enjoy your family time together in this time of both sadness and celebration of a life well lived.
Your friend,
Doug Wood
Reply
Johnny Oisten
December 2, 2019 at 6:07 pm
So sorry to hear about your husband father he was a great man he always talked to Pam at church he will be missed dearly
Reply
Jerry and Dinah Howrigon
December 2, 2019 at 6:28 pm
So very sorry to of Don’s passing. So lucky to have known him. Love and prayers to family.
Reply
Jerry haight
December 2, 2019 at 8:08 pm
Sorry to hear that Don passed I grew up in the sixth street neighborhood.
Reply
Patti (Khodl) Hewitt
December 2, 2019 at 8:09 pm
To Joanne and family,
It was a long goodbye that you and your entire family have endured, as well as Don. You can take solace that you all took great loving care of Don to meet his needs with loving devotion.
Reply
Carol Watson
December 2, 2019 at 9:28 pm
John and family, So sorry to here of your loss . My thoughts and prayer are with you ! May the good Lord comfort you !
Reply
Sherry Schumaker
December 2, 2019 at 10:03 pm
John and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved dad. Your father was a wonderful man who raised wonderful sons and your family has served this community in many ways and given so much. My deepest condolences in this very difficult time to all of you. I will be praying for your family as you begin to navigate life without him.
Reply
Darl and Joyce Gilliland
December 2, 2019 at 10:20 pm
Dear Joanne and all of the Chapman boys,
Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. Don always had a kind word, a great smile and a friend to all. I remember the family from church many years ago when we were growing up and many happy memories. May you feel the prayers being said for your family during this difficult time.
Love to you all, Darl and Joyce Gilliland
Reply
James Harvey
December 2, 2019 at 10:35 pm
Warm and Wonderful Man.
God Bless
Reply
Mike and Teresa Fleeman
December 2, 2019 at 10:51 pm
Mike and will miss him he was a great neighbor and friend prayers to Joanne and her sons goodbye to a great man
Reply
Doug Wood
December 3, 2019 at 3:48 am
John and all your great family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your dad was also so kind to me, welcoming, good humored, and interested in all we did together as friends. I remember him and your mom with much happiness and appreciation. Enjoy your family time together in this time of both sadness and celebration of a life well lived.
Your friend,
Doug Wood
Reply
Nancy (Rector) Zeluff
December 3, 2019 at 8:08 am
Joanne and Family: I am deeply sadden by the loss of Don. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Nancy Zeluff
Reply
RETA SMITH
December 3, 2019 at 9:46 am
Joanne and family – My deepest sympathy on your loss of Don! I feel privilaged to have known him at Royal Estates for 12 yrs! Your whole family will be in my prayers for comfort in knowing he is at peace now.
Reply
Keith Brouwer
December 3, 2019 at 9:55 am
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing, thoughts and prayers for all of the family in this difficult time.
Reply
Emily Mills
December 3, 2019 at 7:04 pm
Joann, Aaron, John and families- I’m sad to hear of Don’s passing. I’ve known him since I was in high school as Band Dad to Jeff and John to delivering bread at Harding’s to the Marine Division at the Sheriffs Dept. He always had time to visit and I treasure those memories. What a great man who loved God and his family. He will be missed.
Reply
Tam Leonard
December 3, 2019 at 9:13 pm
Thinking of you Dearest Mrs Chapman and boys during this difficult time!
Hugs and GOD Bless you all~
DON.. was a Good man! You were so Blessed!
Hugs… old neighbors Tammy Pfau Leonard and little brother Don Pfau
Reply
Diana Chappel
December 4, 2019 at 12:28 am
Joanne, I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He always had wonderful stories and I loved running into him when he was taking his morning walks. He was a great neighbor and I will miss him. May God comfort you during this difficult time.
Reply
Shaun Bonnell
December 4, 2019 at 9:29 am
To the whole Chapman family, I’m sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I have fond memories of Don teaching the boater’s safety class at the middle school and have heard many great stories from Dad about life growing up next door to the Chapman’s. Our prayers go out to the whole family.
Reply
Kevin
December 4, 2019 at 2:23 pm
Aaron my thoughts are with you and your family. Kevin
Reply
John and Diane Glessner
December 4, 2019 at 8:30 pm
Dearest Joann, John and family,
We are very sad to hear about your wonderful husband and fathers passing. He was always a kind gentleman. May God give you all His almighty peace and strength as you mourn but also celebrate his life.
In Christ’s Love, John and Diane Glessner
Reply
Steve and Becky Swope
December 5, 2019 at 1:49 pm
To the Chapman family – Becky and I are sorry to hear of Don’s passing. May God comfort and encourage you with the Sure Hope of a Great Reunion in Heaven because Don knew Jesus (and now KNOWS Him in a newer, glorious way). Revelation 21: Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Reply
Jo Survilla
December 5, 2019 at 7:05 pm
As a family, your remembrances made the memorial so meaningful; he would have been delighted with your stories even if he had corrections. He must have been proud of every one of you.
Reply
Susan Venen Bock
December 6, 2019 at 12:16 pm
Eric and Aaron,
Thoughts are with you and your family. Your Dad was a great man and his successful life and legacy lives on in his family.
Reply
Tim Campbell
December 6, 2019 at 3:08 pm
I remember him coming to Otsego Middle School and teaching us boating safety.
Reply
Lynne Bullock Livingston
December 6, 2019 at 3:15 pm
Dear Chapman family, I am so sorry to have missed the service for your Dad/Husband. SO many sweet and funny memories of growing up in the neighborhood. Hugs n prayers!
Reply
John R Cross
December 12, 2019 at 8:25 pm
I met Don several years ago when I was a Sheriff Deputy in Kalamazoo County. He was such a nice man and a pleasure to talk to. Sorry to hear of his passing. He will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace Don.
Reply
Leave a Condolence
Cancel reply
Please share your message of condolence with the family, It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked
*
Comment
*
Name
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*
Δ
Obituary Notification Service
Enter your email address if you would like to be notified when a new obituary notice is posted:
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How do I send a condolence
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