Kenneth Eugene Chapman

Kenneth E. Chapman, Sr. was born January 23, 1928, at Ottawa, in Franklin County, Kansas, the son of Claude Everett and Mina Marie (Adcock) Chapman. A lifelong resident, Kenneth made his home in Ottawa, until his death Friday, September 12, 2003, at the age of seventy-five years. He graduated from Appanoose Rural High School with the class of 1946 and National Trade School of Kansas City with electrical and photography training. Kenneth worked as an electrician with IBEW 226 for thirty years, until 1980. He also worked for the Franklin County Sheriff's Department, starting as a jailer, then dispatcher and then as a deputy, from 1982 until 1990. From October 4, 1946, until March 22, 1948, Kenneth served in the United States Army with Headquarters Company, 2nd Engineer Construction Group, Yong Dung Po, Korea, attaining the rank of Technician Fifth Class. He made indoor and outdoor photographs of military personnel, equipment, and activities, as well as, material for publicity, training, and instructional purposes, and received the World War II Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal Japan. Kenneth was a member of Ottawa Bible Church; President four years of the Franklin County War Memorial; life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post #5901, Ottawa; and, Warren Black Post #60, American Legion, Ottawa, serving as Commander, 1999 through 2000. He was also a member of Union Chapter #15, Order of the Eastern Star; Ottawa Shrine #19, White Shrine of Jerusalem; Retta Conclave #8, Order of True Kindred; York Rite 32nd Degree, Swords of Bunker Hill; Abdallah Stables #30 - Ancient Order of Camel Herders; Abdallah Temple A.A.O.M.M.S. of Overland Park; Ottawa Lions Club; Franklin County Shrine Club (Blazers); and, former scout master and assistant scout master. In 1961, he was the first electrician in the state of Kansas to receive the Craftsmanship Award from the Kansas Chapter of the American Institute of Architects for excellence of craftsmanship in the Art of Electrical Construction for the Colony School Project. Kenneth was an active member of the Ottawa community. He enjoyed all the organizations he was a part of and visiting with his many friends. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, and photography, and was quite skilled at woodworking. Kenneth's greatest love, however, was for his family and grandchildren, all of whom he was so very proud of. On July 11, 1948, Kenneth was united in marriage with Jewell Marie Mealman at Ottawa. She survives of their home. He is also survived by three sons, Kenneth 'Kenny' Chapman, Jr. of Ottawa, Stephen Chapman and his wife, Carol, of Ottawa, Kirt Chapman and his wife, Sondra, of Ottawa; four daughters, Claudia Seaton and her husband, Gene, of Ottawa, Gloria Newman and her husband, James, of Evergreen, Colorado, Sheryl Stephenson and her husband, Dana, of Ottawa, Toni Schmidt and her husband, A. J., of Pomona, Kansas; sister Beverly Turner of Ottawa; fourteen grandchildren; and, nine great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Everett Chapman. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from the Dengel & Son Mortuary 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 16, 2003. OFFICIANTS: Pastor Larry Carrier; Deacon, Keith Chapman. IN STATE: Mr. Chapman will lie in state after 1:00 p.m. Sunday at Dengel & Son Mortuary to service hour, where the family will meet with friends 7 to 8:00 Monday evening. CEMETERY: Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, Kansas, with Military Honors by Steve Queen of American Legion Post #60. MEMORIALS: The family suggest memorials to Midland Hospice or Shriner Children`s Hospital, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through www.dengelmortuary.com.