Eugene Chapman
Obituary
Eugene Wilson Chapman, 78, died January 29, 2010 following a long illness. He was born in Oklahoma City, OK on March 1, 1931 to Marvin and Nell (Brotherton) Chapman.
He graduated from Oklahoma City's Classen High School in 1948, and received a degree in Industrial Psychology from the University of Oklahoma in 1952. While a student at OU, Gene was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He married Barbara McKinnis on August 16, 1952, and then entered into military service in the U.S. Army, serving in the Korean War. Following his discharge, he received a graduate degree in Industrial Psychology from Purdue University. His business career began with Westinghouse Electric. He was also employed by Celanese Corporation, Singer Business Machines, and most recently Baker Hughes.
Gene and Barbara were corporate gypsies and made their home in seven states. Their later years were spent in Salt Lake City, UT where Gene was active in community affairs. He was a member of the Salt Lake Exchange Club, Industrial Relations Council, International Visitors Association and Friendship Force of Utah. At the mayor's request, he served as a mediator for the Salt Lake Police Department. He was an active member of Christ United Methodist Church and served as a leader in many capacities. Gene loved animals and supported many of their causes.
Though Gene lived away from Oklahoma, he was a proud member of the University of Oklahoma Alumni Association, and was a loyal Sooner sports fan. He was an avid reader and loved to travel. He and Barbara visited 55 countries around the world. The Chapman's moved to Tulsa, OK in 2003. Again, Gene did mediation work under the auspices of the Oklahoma Supreme Court. He was a member of International Visitors Council and served in many leadership roles at Trinity United Methodist Church. He deeply loved his God, his family, and his country.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara; daughters, Leigh Jennings, of Salt Lake City, UT and Lynn Berklacy, of Tulsa, OK, son-in-law, Dr. Steven Berklacy; grandchildren, Amanda Jennings, Lara Jennings, Steven Berklacy II, and Allyson Berklacy and great granddaughter Annika Jennings Stohl. Gene touched many lives with his generosity, constant love and caring. He will also be missed by too many friends to count around the world!
A memorial celebration of Gene's life will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3737 S. Peoria on 1:00 pm Saturday, February 13th. Interment at Rose Hill Cemetery, Oklahoma City, OK. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, UT 84741 or Trinity United Methodist Church 3737 S. Peoria, Tulsa, OK 74105. Ninde Brookside Chapel 918-742-5556.
Events
Tributes & Memories
Our simple prayer is that you remember his best, and feel blessed by his life. We were, and forever will be. (yes, I know "be" is a preposition - as Gene would have correctly told me.) Hook 'Em.
Jon & Ann LaRue
Barbara, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family. We fondly remember all the wonderful experiences that we so much enjoyed with you and Gene and we will always cherish our memories of him. God bless and keep all of you. Jo and Harold
Jo and Harold Covin
Barbara, my sincere condolences to you and your family. I exchanged a few emails with Gene about four years ago and he told me of his health problems. I was not at all surprised by his positive attitude. When I was working for him, he loved to tease me and tell me I was learning at the feet of the master. He was right, he was the master and the best mentor anyone could ask for.
Jolene Corey
Thinking of you and your family, so very glad to have had Gene touch our lives.
Julia Bumgarner
Dear Barbara, Chizuko and I are very saddened by the news on the passing of Gene. We recall and cherish Gene among our unforgettable memories. Our first met with you was in Town in Tokyo on May 1st,1987. Perhaps, the God might have led us and you. Chizuko is wishing that our golden wedding will be held like you two. I am trying to become a good Japanese representative so that Gene was a representative of a good American for me. We send you our deepest condolences.?Takumi and Chizuko
Takumi Kurosaki
It was great pleasure for me to have known such a wonderful man, Gene. My sincer condolences to the whole family.
Izumi Morita
Wishing you and girls our deepest condolenses. Gary and Cathy
Gary and Cathy
Dear Barbara, Renae and I are very saddened to here of the passing of Gene, he was a great friend to us, as are you. You have our prayers and condolences. Layne & Renae Wilcock
Layne Wilcock