Doyle Vinson Chapman

Doyle Vinson Chapman went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the morning of September 8, 2026, just one day shy of his 89th birthday. He was born in Lamesa, Texas, on September 9, 1937, to Alice Lenna (Hardwick) Chapman and James Vinson Chapman. Doyle was one of five brothers who all learned early the value of hard work and family. He loved his parents and his brothers deeply and was so proud of their legacy, and we are at peace knowing that he’s home now and finally in their arms again.

Doyle was a natural athlete. He was truly gifted at almost any sport, excelling at football, basketball, baseball, and golf. He earned a four-year football scholarship to the University of Texas. Ultimately, however, he returned home, where he found the love of his life, Laura Payton. Doyle and Laura were married on April 21, 1962, and their marriage became the foundation of the family he would later call his greatest accomplishment. He often said that his family was the thing he was most proud of, and he was quick to give Laura much of the credit.

With Laura by his side, he embarked on a successful career. He began as a plumber, becoming a master plumber and eventually going into business with his father at Chapman Plumbing. After their move to Austin, Doyle worked briefly at Republic Finance Company. He later purchased an old Dairy Queen and opened Mr. C’s Fast Food, followed by a sit-down restaurant called C5 Steakhouse. Many friends and relatives had the opportunity to work for Doyle and Laura at the restaurants, or at least to stop in and chat over breakfast tacos or a homemade slice of pie. After the restaurant business Doyle started selling cars at Doyle Chapman Motors on Cameron Road. He made a lot of new friends, had fun making camels and yodeling commercials with family, and continued in that business until retiring at the age of 80 years old.

Doyle always stayed involved in his community. Throughout the ‘70s he was very involved with the Austin Civitan Club, even serving as club President in 1976. He coached and hosted big fundraisers for the South Austin Boys Club. In the ‘80s he played golf with his son, Steve, and many other friends from Lost Creek Country Club. He also participated in golf tournaments with his brother-in-law, Ronnie Payton.

At the restaurant, the country club, or really wherever he went, Doyle had a gift for making friends. He never met a stranger, and everyone who knew him knew that he could talk. He loved sitting in coffee shops when he visited Lamesa, reconnecting with old friends and telling stories from the past - stories that were often so good they deserved to be told again…and again. And again. He was stubborn. He was tough. He could be quick to anger, and he certainly wanted you to know that he was not someone to be messed with. He might threaten to “dot your I and cross your T,” while somehow still being the person you knew would show up if you needed him. And when he really, really liked something, it was “putty good.”

The legacy that Doyle leaves behind for his family is truly special. He always prioritized the annual Chapman Family Reunion, which originated back in the ‘40s in Big Spring, Texas, moved temporarily to Lamesa, and is now celebrated at the Chapman family ranch in Holt, Texas. He loved the ranch, the horses, and bringing all of his family together - those really were his favorite times. Family was always the most important thing, and Doyle showed that in the way he showed up. Whether it was a sporting event, a school event, or a concert, his family could count on seeing him there.

Doyle is survived by his faithful wife of 64 years, Laura Chapman. Throughout their life together, Laura was his partner, his caretaker, and his constant, attending to him with extraordinary patience and love until the very end. He is also survived by his brother Bill Chapman, brother’s wife, Reyna Chapman, brother-in-law, Ronnie and wife Joye Payton, sister-in-law, Norma Gentry; his children, daughter Lorie and Jeff Meynig and son Steve and Holly Chapman; his grandchildren, Christopher Meynig, Courtney Thornton, Jason Chapman and wife Madison Claer, Douglas Meynig and wife Caroline, Andrew Meynig and wife Maegan, and Lauren Bruton and husband Reid; his great-grandchildren, Estlin, Eisley, Olivia, Liam, Samuel, Payton, Fields, Amelia, and Nate, with another great-grandchild on the way; other extended family, and the many friends he made throughout his lifetime.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lenna and Vinson Chapman, his brothers, Keith, Don and Ronald, his sisters-in-law, Ann, Josie and Linda, and in-laws, Elizabeth and Doyle Payton.

In his final days, Doyle was surrounded by the people who loved him most. His wife, children, and their spouses cared for him with tremendous love and devotion, and his faithful dog, Jasper, never left his side. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Felipe Montez and Doyle’s many dear friends and family from Lamesa who kept him company in his final years.

The viewing will be held at Weed-Corley-Fish at 2620 South Congress in Austin, TX on Friday, September 18, 2026 from 5pm-8pm. Services will be held at C5 Ranch, Holt Baptist Church, at 6471 FM 502, Rochelle, TX 76872 on September 20, 2026 at 12pm. Pallbearers will be Doyle’s grandchildren: Christopher, Courtney, Jason, Douglas, Andrew, and Lauren. Honorary Pallbearers: Bill Chapman, Doyle Goolsby and Felipe Montez.

Doyle had a very full life - building businesses, friendships, stories, and, most importantly, a family and a legacy. And if you knew him, you know he would probably want the last word. So, Doyle, we’ll give you that: “Putty good.”