Jackie R. Chapman

On Saturday afternoon, April 15, 2023 Jackie Ray Chapman, known to all as “Jack” passed peacefully from this life into the arms of the Lord. He was born September 11, 1934 in Wewoka, Oklahoma to Leonard and Gladys Chapman.

The family moved to Yuma, AZ when Jack was 6 years old. It was there he grew up and graduated high school in 1953. He graduated from Abilene Christian University studying agriculture and chemistry. During college, he discovered he was going to achieve a new passion of becoming a pilot. His mom baked and sold her famous homemade pies to pay for her son’s pilot license. He was hooked. After graduating he had plans to join the Navy with a commission, but his plans were abruptly changed after checking the mail one day and there were his draft orders for the Army. He served as a medical lab technician for his time. Eventually he went to work at Arizona Public Service and worked his way up to the Plant Chemist/Environmental Supervisor. After retiring he was asked to join Cal Energy Service in Omaha, Nebraska as the Director of Safety and Environmental over several power plants in the North Eastern U.S.

In 1960 he married Dorothy Louise King and had two children; daughter Linda and son Alan. The family enjoyed spending time at their mountain cabin near Durango Colorado, as the mountain bug was planted in both of his children at a very young age.

Years later he eventually made his way to Lubbock, Texas and in 2007 married Teddie June Whitley. They enjoyed 16 happy years traveling and gardening. He always seemed happiest outdoors. We called him a desert rat as he loved to go walking a good three to five miles in the heat of the day. Must have been that AZ climate that made him so tough. With his quiet ways and kind heartedness, he endeared himself to all of June’s family and will be sorely missed ‘til we meet again in heaven.

He leaves behind children, Linda Magness (husband Eric), Alan Chapman (wife Beth) three grandchildren Brandon Chapman, Andrew Chapman, and Shane Magness.

From June’s family he leaves behind stepdaughters Connie (Johnny) Richardson, Pamela (John) Hensley, and Sandy (Dusty) Staggs.

Step-grandchildren are Zane and Cale Richardson, Donovan and Baron Staggs, Levi and Holden Hensley and Shaun Zhai.

Step-great grandchildren are Audrey Zhai, Lucia, Anya, Mateo, Lucas, and Opal Staggs.

Visitation is Sunday, April 23, 6:00 – 7:30pm at Resthaven in Lubbock. The funeral service is Monday, April 24, at 2pm at Resthaven.

Donations to Disabled American Veterans made be made in Jack’s memory at DAV.org.