Harold "Bud" O Chapman Jr.

Harold O. Chapman, Jr., (Bud) of Denver, passed away September 13, 2019 in the memory unit of Parkplace, Denver, Colorado. Born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Harold O. and Fern Chapman. Bud had one sibling, beloved sister Jane Chapman Stewart, born the same day three years earlier.

Encouraged by his father, President of National Reserve Life of Topeka, Bud spent his career in the life insurance industry. Harold Chapman, Sr. led the company until his death in 1963, at which time Bud was elected President and CEO. Jane’s husband, Bill Stewart, was also instrumental in the successful management of the company, which sold to Kansas City Life in 1982.

Bud served in WWII, earning honors as an Aerial Engineer, then graduated from Washburn University in Topeka, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta. Introduced by Jane to Betty Weyler, a Delta Gamma sorority sister, Betty and Bud were married for 67 years until her death in 2015. They had five children and twelve grandchildren and enjoyed retirement at the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, and the Wigwam in Litchfield Park, AZ. His self-deprecating, always entertaining, and dry sense of humor was endearing to his many friends.

Bud’s many talents and hobbies, included photography, music, travel, and sports. He played drums (even played once with Stan Kenton), attended endless concerts, including Tony Bennet and Frank Sinatra too many times to count (his first time seeing Sinatra Bud found himself standing in the front row at age nine). Bud lived for his golf games, and had 14 holes-in-one, and many trophies for Club Championships. Bud and Betty enjoyed their years of retirement, living on golf courses enjoying the game. They were fortunate to travel the world together with friends and family.

A loving husband and father, family times were a top priority. Bud leaves behind four children, Christy Owen (Steve Owen) of Denver, Kim Morrill (Tom Morrill) of Denver, Lisa Wheeler of Chicago, Sam Chapman of Parker, twelve grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and nephew, Jack Stewart (Pam Stewart) of Highlands Ranch. Nothing pleased him more than observing their pursuits in music, sports, arts, and business. He encouraged his children to follow their own dreams and through his legacy and encouragement, his children and their children are a reflection of his love.

His biggest challenges were losing Betty and his son Tom, who preceded him in death. Even battling dementia, Bud remained easy going, loving and appreciative of life itself. We will miss him dearly. Visitation will be Friday, September 20th from 10am - noon at Swan Law Funeral Directors in Colorado Springs with a 12:30pm graveside service at Evergreen Cemetery.