Robert "Bob" A. Chapman III

Memorial services to celebrate the life of Robert “Bob” Chapman, 68, of Davenport, will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 24th at the Cunnick-Collins Mortuary Chapel in Davenport. A private burial will follow at a later date. The family will greet friends on Sunday from 12:00 Noon until service time at the mortuary. Mr. Chapman died at his home on Thursday, November 21, 2013 following a lengthy illness.Robert Arthur Chapman III was born on July 8, 1945 in Springfield, MA, the son of Robert and Mary (Downey) Chapman. The family roots date back to the Mayflower and Oliver Wolcott who signed the Declaration of Independence. Also to be noted is a great-great uncle, John Chapman better known as “Johnny Appleseed.” On December 21, 1969 he married Judith K. Dahlstedt in Altona, IL.Bob was a graduate of Western Illinois University where he received his BS in education and biology. He went on to further his education in post graduate work and additionally received his master’s degree in education. Bob was an elementary physical education teacher for 33 years of which 32 years was with the Davenport Public Schools. After his retirement in 2001 he continued to operate a handyman business utilizing his carpentry, plumbing, and electrical skills. Bob also served as an Iowa High School sports official for 30 years officiating in football, basketball, and wrestling, and as a college referee on the basketball court for an additional 15 years. He taught a college methods course at the former Marycrest College and continued to work as an area education evening supervisor and as an after school recreation director.Bob’s memberships include the Davenport Education Association, Iowa State Education Association, National Education Association, Quad Cities Officials Association, Iowa & Illinois Officials Association, as well as being accredited as an NCAA official and an NAGWS official. Bob was also a member of the Iowa State and National Physical Education Associations. He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed reading, gardening, bicycling, camping, cooking, and was a gifted story teller who grabbed life by the gills. He enjoyed working with his hands, playing the guitar, travel, watching sports, fine wine and gourmet foods.Surviving members of the family include – his Wife: Judy of Davenport; 2 Sons: Robert (Beth) Chapman IV of West Des Moines and Mark (Jolyn) Chapman of Clive, IA; his Mother: Mary of Peoria, IL; a Sister: Janice (Charles) Morrill of Peoria, IL; and 5 Grandchildren: Payton, Jailyn, Tommy, Taylor, and Josie.He was preceded in death by his father in 1999.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to the Genesis Medical Center Foundation Cardiac Rehab Phase 3 & 4 or to a favorite charity.“Having had diabetes since I was 21 years old and in spite of its many complications, I feel I have had a rich and happy life. I have many friends and I keep a lot of doctors eating steak.” Robert Chapman III.