Charles C. Chapman

CELEBRATING

The Wonderful Life of

⚓

Charles Covel Chapman

“Cokie”

Went home to his Heavenly FATHER on January 1st, this year of 2023 in Sebastian, FL. He was better known as “Cokie” with his family loved ones, friends and his residing community of Indian River County. He was at the age of 78 and had lived a very full and adventurous life.

Cokie will be forever loved and remembered by his sisters Jeanne Chapman Gill and Lynn Chapman McKinney, daughters Christine Chapman and Erin Carter, granddaughters Cassandra Jones and Ciara Calhoun, grandsons Billy Jo Calhoun, Brian Carter and Caedmon Carter, great-grandchildren Noah Jones, Annalise Jones, Seth Jones, Aralynn Jones, Azlan Jones, Ansley Adams, Eliana Adams, Alara Adams, nieces Kim Gill Taggart, Merideth Gill Curtis, Sarah Gill Wren, Maggie McKinney Reavis, Jamie McKinney Moehling, and his caregiver and loving friend Linda Collia.

Cokie was born in Columbia, Missouri on July 9th, 1944. Cokie was a venturous young boy, that grew up with the excitement for fast cars and great adventures. And he lived just like that; from traveling to Texas, Arizona to Montana, Acapulco Mexico, to climbing in Mexico City one of the pyramids in 1963 early morning just to watch the sunrise to name a few.

Cokie served our Nation by enlisting into the Marine Corp in 1966, he went off to Vietnam for 4 tours, and ended his military career in 1971 as a Sergeant E5. He was a Purple Heart medal recipient through his loyalty to his brotherhood in those years he served.

“Semper Fi” … you were Always Faithful.

Cokie moved to Florida in early 1971 to plant his feet into the sandy beaches and salty air of Indian River County. It was soon after he decided to purchase his beautiful 18 foot “Desiderata” to set sail on the waters. He took courses through the Coast Guard so he could become a genuine licensed Sea Captain. And that is how he became Capt. Cokie Chapman of A.S.S. {Association of Sebastian Sailors}. It was a true honor for him.

Adventures continued throughout his life from treasure diving with Mel Fisher and Mel’s lovely family off the Treasure Coast of Florida in the 80’s. He continued new adventures with Capt. Kym Ferrell seeking for treasure still off the shores of the east coast of FL, all the way to the age of 72. He was always enjoying Life to its fullest. He had drove to Missouri to take Desiderata down the Missouri and Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico and ended that unique journey at Destin Beach, Fl with his lifetime friend Rob Ghio in 1988. Was one of his fondest adventures. Eventually Cokie fell in love with “Therapy” a 32 foot majestic sail boat that he purchased in the late 1980s. This led him to many wonderful moments, memories and journeys, including meeting Miss Melody Layne Frankenfield at Captian Hirams. Their 23 year friendship turned into marriage on Feb 18, of 2017.

In December of 2021 God brought together a missing piece into Cokie’s life, he learned he had another Daughter. They were reunited in May of 2022. Many of Cokie’s family members were able to visit him this past year of 2022, including his beautiful sisters. Which brought joy, laughter and many blessings. He has sailed on now to a new journey for eternity with our heavenly Creator, oh how he will be so dearly missed. Forever you will be loved Dad.

I would like to take this time to personally thank the Sebastian AA family, Linda Collia, Bill Hume, Mike and Dawn Wittenrich, Hobie and Julie Wilson for always being there for Dad.

Thank you, sincerely.

We will be gathering to share some of our favorite stories, share lots of fond memories, laugh, cry Together to remember a wonderful man who will be so greatly Missed.

SATURDAY ~ FEBRUARY 4, 2023

Time: 13:45 For you civilians': 1:45pm

@ the BENSEN HOUSE

5795 US Hwy 1

Grant-Valkaria, Florida 32949

(Next to the Fisherman Landing)

Parking on both sides of the Bensen House

“Please come and share your fond memories”⛵