Bob Chapman

At 3:50 pm on Friday, 4 December 2020 Robert (Bob) David Chapman slipped the surly bonds of Earth and entered into his eternal rest. As befitting a man of his stature, he passed with the knowledge and assurance of the resurrection as well as the comforting warmth of a loving and devoted wife and family.

Bob Chapman was born in St. Louis, Missouri 29 December 1934 making him 85 years of age at the time of his passing. He spent his childhood thru high school years either roaming the streets of the big city or the rustic area surrounding Dixon, Missouri. He was the third child of a large brood of children who blessed Joe and Margaret Chapman, his parents, who preceded him in death. Others preceding him in death were an infant brother, 2 older brothers Edward and Norman as well as 2 younger sisters Vivian Hartline and Norma Jean Shuer. He loved them all dearly!

Aside from his great love for Jesus Christ and his beloved church the truest joy to Bob Chapman was the time he spent with family. To him family was the sustaining quality in a life that knew physical pain and a chronic illness brought by the trials of time. His beloved wife Merlene survives of the home. They just celebrated their 50 ^th anniversary on 26 November. He is survived by three sons and five daughters.  They are David Chapman (Nina) of New Iberia, Louisiana, Rocky Carroll (Sherry) of Dixon, Missouri, Russ Lewis (Mary) of California, Missouri, Dana Wolverton (Scott) of Paragould, Arkansas, Brandi Apostu (Andrei) of Naples, Florida, Anita Jenkins of Naples, Florida, Misty Ogden (David) of Paragould, Arkansas and Annittia Cauthen (Joe) of Houston, Texas. His legacy did not stop with these eight as there are 27 grandchildren, 26 Great Grandchildren and 5 Great-Great Grandchildren. Bob Chapman also leaves a number of siblings to carry on the family name. They are brothers Richard, Andrew, Raymond, and Paul and sisters Bernice and Zola. Additionally, he is survived by many nieces, nephews, other family members, his church family, and a host of friends. His family was his strength and through them he found his greatest happiness in life.

Bob Chapman spent 46 years of his life working in the shoe industry. He achieved management status at the young age of 21 and spent the rest of his career in various managerial roles within the industry. After he retired in 1997, he turned his attention to flea markets, auctions, crafting, framing, and anything else he thought might get the bills paid. Like the shoe industry he was very successful in his second career. In the 1970s he farmed and raised hogs on the side as the extra income was appreciated for his large family. He never undertook any task unless he was going to do it as if it were the only thing he had to do in life. He was always all in and moving at light speed to either meet a deadline, a production goal, or a market date. He was always generous to a fault but never wanted anyone to boast when he extended a helping hand. He practiced the golden rule, always gave back, and truly paid it forward. The love of his life was Merlene Chapman and their love story was one for the ages. They cared for each other in the ways we all hope every marriage will function. It is a true understatement to say he will be missed. It is more accurate to say he was one of a kind and that there will never be another like him in this world. We are grateful he was ours to share with the world. He was a faithful Christian, a noble gentleman, a devoted husband, and dedicated Dad. His sense of humor was renown and experienced by all who came into his presence. It was infectious, disarming, and comforting. It was a Chapman trademark! Bob Chapman carried many titles during his lifetime, but “Daddy and Grandpa” would resonate with the loudest effect. Those that called him that (The family) will gather at the Ermert Funeral Home, Corning, Arkansas on Tuesday, 8 December
2020 to celebrate his life. Visitation will be from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm with the funeral service starting at 12:30 pm. Burial and graveside services will follow at Walker cemetery near Weiner, Arkansas. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

The family has no expectations for others in giving but if anyone is moved to do so please consider the American Kidney Foundation. What Bob Chapman would really like is for us all to love and forgive each other.

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www.ermertfuneralhome.com