Howard was born on October 6, 1925, in Fauquier County, the son of the late Orville Claude Chapman, Jr. and Olive Ethel Haught Chapman Hunt of Lois, Virginia. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of over 63 years, Mildred Elizabeth James Chapman; one daughter, Mildred Susan Chapman Henschel; and by his siblings: Sara (Hugh) Inscoe, Mary (Joe) Gerger, Alma (Bob) James, Edith Chapman, Edwin (Joan) Chapman, Jean (Russ) Roll, and Kenneth (Barbara) Chapman.
Howard leaves to cherish his memory his son, Christopher Howard Chapman and his wife, Sherry, of Rustburg; daughter Jamesly “Jamie” Emolive Chapman of Crozet; son-in-law Dieter Henschel of Esmont; three grand-daughters, Dietra Susan Henschel of Esmont, Tiffany Elizabeth Chapman of Crozet, and Christine Grace Chapman Ugron and her husband, Joey, of Roanoke; grandson Erich Jacob Henschel and his wife, Allyson, of Crozet; two great-granddaughters, Reily Paige Henschel and Peyton Suzanne Henschel of Crozet; great-grandson Aksel Jacob Henschel of Crozet; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Howard was a member of Mooreland Baptist Church in North Garden where he was a deacon for many years. He farmed all his life, starting out at the age of five thinning corn, milking cows in the dairy, and later on raising sheep, hogs, and beef cattle on Pounding Brook Farm.
A graveside service will be held at Holly Memorial Gardens on Monday, October 8, 2018, at 11am, with Pastor Jillian Andrzejewski officiating.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Mooreland Baptist Church, 2255 Taylors Gap Road, North Garden, VA 22959; Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911; or to the Heritage Inn Staff Fund, 220 S. Pantops Dr., Charlottesville, VA 22911.
