Richard Donald Chapman

Richard Donald Chapman, age 83 of Warren, died Friday, October 19, 2018 at the Windemere Assisted Living Center in Warren, Michigan. He was born December 27, 1934 in Detroit, son of the late Kenneth Ira and the late Dorothy Mabel (nee: Miller) Chapman.By day…Richard was one of the areas many fabricators of the tool & die trades extending his expertise, specifically, as a metal model maker. Armed with a keen sense of math and an eye for precision, he gave the best parts of himself to his work, career, and his execution on the job. What began as time served within a tool & die shop would ultimately transition to a position with the automotive giant, the General Motors Corporation. Following a distinguished career with GM and years of dedicated service, Richard decided it was time to begin a new chapter in life as a Golden Warrior amidst the realm of retirement. Yet Richard's life was a bit unique and telling as he not only held a full time position on the job,…he was also honored to serve within the Michigan Army National Guard, a commitment he proudly held for over 32 years. Though he served on a part time basis as he balanced his time between the Guard and his job, Richard was "All In" each time he donned his uniform and set out to meet the needs of his country. Ultimately attaining the rank of Sgt. First Class, it is because of guys like Richard that America stands proud. So it is, with thanks & praise from a grateful nation, that we honor Richard's service and extend our posthumous gratitude for his willingness to "step up to the plate" for our great country. And speaking of stepping up to the plate, this is a perfect segue to one of Richard's favorite pastimes,…the All-American game of baseball. He absolutely loved the game, both watching it as well as playing it, too. Even into his 50's, he was swinging' the bat and fielding the balls with fellow athletes,…some of whom were half his age. But he loved it! And of course, there was no greater supporter and banner waver than Richard when it came to his favorite Boys of Summer, the Detroit Tigers. Win or lose, he held them in the highest regard,…and in turn, they provided Richard with countless hours of sporting fun and entertainment. Other sporting pleasures he enjoyed were found in the games of bowling and golfing. Whether he was chasing that little white ball around the links in search of the coveted "Hole-in-One,"…or propelling his bowling ball down the alley in the hopes of a "300 Game,"…chances are he was sharing the experience with a family member or friend, and that's what it was all about.Another source of challenge and competition Richard loved was found in his gaming pleasures, one of which was playing cards. Two of his favorites were the games of Euchre and "500,"…but he wasn't real particular as he simply enjoyed the fun of gathering around the card table, sharing some friendly banter, and tossin' down some cards,…and maybe an adult beverage or two as well. But the ultimate gaming (and extracurricular) pleasures came when he boarded the plane and headed for the glitz & glamour of Vegas, baby! Yes Sir,…there's no better place to give those One-Armed Bandits a workout than the gaming capital of the world, Las Vegas. The nickel slots had his name written all over them, and Richard just loved giving Ol' Lady Luck a run for her money. Richard also loved to travel. Though we already know about his Vegas excursions, there were many trips enjoyed throughout the America's from all over the United States to various parts of Mexico as well. But he didn't need to venture far from home to feed his "travelin' jones" as Michigan's beauty offered many opportunities for Richard to build his travel portfolio,…especially when it meant heading north to Gaylord and the "Lakes of the North." Quite often, when he was looking to exchange the concrete jungle for a bit of Michigan's splendor, he loved heading north and away from the clamor. It was his little bit of Heaven on earth.Watching the old westerns on television…heading to the movie theater for a bit more of the current entertainment…and dabbling in his penchant for photography, each of these were welcomed and often sought after pastimes that Richard enjoyed and which filled his life throughout his retirement. And many will attest to his amazing fascination with all things genealogical. He loved investigating and searching records to feed his appetite toward this ever-growing science, and he was known for being quite precise in his searches. But of all the traits that will make Richard stand out, his generous and charitable heart will reign supreme. There wasn't much he DIDN'T donate to, yet he always gave from his heart. In so many ways, both overt and unique, Richard was a gift to many through his generous and giving nature. As well to his dear family, Richard gave as best he could in his own genuine way. A loving father, grandfather and brother, he leaves behind a legacy of loyalty, honor, and charity,…and a host of memories that are sure to be embraced with each reflection shared. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally. Richard was the beloved father of Linda (Mark) Losinski, Carol (Dean) Weitzel, and Roger (Sue) Chapman. Loving grandfather of Ryan (Lauren) Weitzel, Michael Losinski, Brittany Chapman, Rachel (Michael) McCafferty, Eric Losinski, Nicole Chapman, and great-grandfather of Lily Weitzel. Brother of Beverly Chapman, and the late Douglas Chapman. Visitation for Richard will be held Monday, October 22nd from 3:00-7:00 pm, with a 6:00 pm Funeral Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Road) in Warren. Interment will follow at 10:00 am on Tuesday, October 23rd at Cadillac Memorial Gardens East Cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan.Memorial donations are welcomed to Doctors Without Borders, P.O. Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030 (www.donate.doctorswithoutborders.org),...or to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517 (www.woundedwarriorproject.org). Please share memories of Richard at his guest book above.