John Gary Chapman

John Gary Chapman, known to family and friends as Gary, of Houston, Texas, passed away on September 25, 2026, at the age of 73 in Houston, Texas. He was born on February 23,1953, in Eupora, Mississippi, to John Bradford Chapman and Sara Gary Chapman.

Gary grew up in many different countries, and that early taste of the wide world stayed with him for life. He earned a Master of Science in Geology from the University of Arkansas and afterword enjoyed an extensive career in oil and gas exploration. Most of his career was spent with Anadarko Petroleum in international exploration. His work took him around the globe. In recent years, he co-founded his own company, Boomer Exploration. Whether for work or for pleasure, he continued to love travel and science.

Gary had a rare gift for putting people at ease, genuinely interested in everyone he met. He could walk into a room and instantly make people feel comfortable with his kind, calm demeanor. His repertoire of jokes was endless. Outside of Gary and Charlotte's busy social life, he was a passionate golfer, loved cycling, ballroom dancing, and never missed his weekly poker game at the club. He stayed committed to fitness throughout his life.

Above all, he treasured his family.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Charlotte Louise Green. He is also survived by his son, Sean Patrick Chapman, and wife Candice; Sean and Allie's mother, Luanne Chapman Hayes; sister Suzanne Chapman Callison and husband Ryan; and brother Colin Andrew Chapman. He is also survived by his grandchildren Leo Gary Chapman (12), August Luanne Chapman (11), John Allan Kempe (12), Jake Ryan Kempe (9), his nieces and nephews, John, Michael, Craig, Stuart, Sarah, John, and Melissa.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Allison Chapman Kempe and his brother, Bradford O'Neill Chapman.

We are celebrating Gary's extraordinary life on October 17, 2026, from 3:00pm- 6:00pm, at Club Westside, 1200 Wilcrest Dr., Houston.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Gary's passion, The Giraffe Conservation Foundation: https://give.giraffeconservation.org/