Darrel Chapman

Darrel Joseph Chapman, age 80, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 23, 2023 in Fort Smith, Arkansas at Mercy Hospital Hospice Care. He was born on September 17,1943 in Baldwin, New York. He loved to ride his bike to the airport and dreamed of going other places. His dream of traveling turned into him serving in the Air Force during Vietnam. He then was able to travel more after he went to work for the Telephone Company “Ma Bell”. Through Ma Bell he moved around until settling in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Darrel was an active member of First Baptist Church in Fort Smith, where he taught Sunday school, from youth to the singles program, was a Deacon and coached the women’s softball team. He loved God’s Word so much that he took seminary classes through Liberty University. He also was part of the Prison Ministries and was a member of the men’s Explorer’s Bible Study.

Throughout his life he was fun loving, playful, and a bit of a prankster. He also had an incredible sweet tooth that led to lots of cookies, licorice and a love of Pop Tarts; where eventually he was given the name Pop Tart by his grand-daughters. He cared deeply for his family and was very loved in return.

He is preceded in death by his parents Fitzdarrel and Dorothy Chapman, and one brother, Roy Chapman. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Victoria Arledge Chapman; daughter, Kristina Chapman; son, Gregory Chapman and his daughter in law Jennifer; three grand-daughters, Riley, Aria, and Olivia; two brothers, Ralph Chapman and Jeff Chapman; and numerous nieces and nephews and friends.

The family would like to express their thanks for the compassion and wonderful care given to Darrel by Mercy Crest Assisted Living, Methodist Village Skilled Nursing, and Mercy Hospice In Patient Unit of Fort Smith.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 North 12th Street, Fort Smith.

Funeral service will be 2:00 pm Thursday, October 26, 2023 at First Baptist Church, 1400 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith. Interment will be at Woodlawn Memorial Park.