Joseph C. Chapman

Joe Chapman, 90 CPT, USAR Ret, has slipped the surly bonds of Earth to take his last flight into the sunset. Joe was a unique man with an insatiable curiosity about science, culture, religion, and life. There were no pat answers for him. He was always open to new ideas and learning. Even in his 80's Joe was studying six languages, many religions and was still trying to grasp calculus.

Military flight was a large part of Joe's life. He was a transport pilot in WW II, a jet fighter pilot in Korea and a helicopter pilot up to his retirement in 1980 from the Army. Among his commendations, Joe received the Distinguished Flying Cross for actions in Korea. His squadron buddies remained his best friends throughout their lives. Joe's pilot stories are classics, repeated by all.

Joe's professional careers included being the first pilot for Slick Airways, an independent oil and gas landman and a realtor. Joe always maintained his physical fitness. He went to the gym to lift weights and box on the day of the stroke that finally got him.

Joe was the son of Joseph Powers Chapman and Lela Stone Chapman. He was a 1938 graduate of Alamo Heights HS where he was a cheerleader. He attended the University of Texas and graduated from Southwest Texas State. He received a law degree from Southwestern University in Los Angeles. He is preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Salling Chapman. Joe is survived by his sister, Lucie Chapman Rathert of Waterloo, Iowa. Joe was an animal lover.

Tributes may be made to the Cibolo Nature Center in Boerne Cibolo.org or any animal rescue organization.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010, 11:00 A.M.

FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY