Obituary: William A. Chapman

William A. (Bill) Chapman passed away and went to be with his Heavenly Father on Thursday, October 12, 2023, in Wichita Falls, Texas. Bill was born to Curtis C. and Amy Jones Chapman on the Chapman Farm, Raymond, Illinois, on November 23, 1929. Bill attended Raymond High School where he excelled in Basketball and track. After graduation in 1947, he attended Southern Illinois University where he lettered in track all four years. Bill married LoVina Harper on December 31, 1950, and they were married for 67 years. Bill enlisted in the Air Force, after graduation from Southern Illinois in 1951. He was assigned to Shaw AFB South Carolina, in the Education Office. While at Shaw AFB, their two children, Sherry Lynne and William Curtis, were born in the base hospital. Upon his honorable discharge as a Staff Sergeant in July 1955, Bill became the first Civilian (GS) Education Officer at Clovis AFB N.M. (later renamed Cannon AFB) in August 1955. His Education Program was selected "Best in Air Force" in 1977. He served on Clovis Community College Advisory Committee from 1961 to 1985. Bill loved all sports especially the St. Louis Cardinal Baseball Team. He began officiating High School basketball in 1956 and High School football in 1958. Bill was selected as one of the officials for the 1967 NM State High School Basketball Tournament and the 1968 NM State Football Game. He retired from officiating in 1975 and he was inducted into the New Mexico Officials Hall of Fame in 1982. After retiring from Civil Service in February 1985, Bill and LoVina began playing Golf and they enjoyed this sport playing together and with friends for many years. Bill was a member of Central Baptist Church, Clovis, New Mexico for 68 Years. He served as a Deacon; Sunday School Director and Teacher; Pastor and Education Minister Search Teams; Pastor Prayer Team; and numerous church committees. Bill relocated to Wichita Falls in 2019 to live with his daughter Sherry Maddox and husband Rick. Bill was a Strong Christan Man who love God and family well.

Survivors include his daughter Sherry Maddox and husband, Rick of Wichita Falls, Tx .; son William C. Chapman and wife Lillian of Helotes, Tx .; grandchildren, Jill Williams of Hewitt, Tx .; Becky Maddox of Converse, Tx .; Kristin Prater and husband Clint of Murphy, Tx ,; Yolanda Chapman of San Antonio, Tx .; and William J. Chapman and wife Rebecca of San Antonio, Tx .; greatgrandchildren, Garrett, Abbie, and Zachary Williams; Tyler and Bryce Prater; Christian, Israel, and Isabella Chapman.

Celebration of Life to be held on Monday, October 23, 2023, 10:00 AM at Central Baptist Church, 2501 N Norris St. Burial to follow at Lawn Haven Memorial Garden, Garden of honors, 1601 E Llano Estacado.

Arrangements have entrusted to Muffley Funeral Home, http://www.muffleyfuneralhome.com. (575) 762-44365.