Roy E. Chapman, loving husband, father, Papa Great and a proud Korean War veteran of the United States Air Force, passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family, to his eternal home with our Lord and Savior, on January 14, 2025, at the age of 92. "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:8

Eldon Roy Chapman was born on September 11, 1932, in Williston, North Dakota, to his parents, Eldon Roy & Agnes Edvina (Elmgren) Chapman. He grew up in Redmond, Washington. Not wanting to be known as "Junior" he took it upon himself and changed his name to Roy Eldon Chapman.

Roy was a God honoring man in every aspect of his life from family to friends, to business. He gave his life to the Lord while attending the Greater Anchorage Crusade for Christ, led by America's Most Dramatic Evangelist, Jack Schuler, along with country singing artist, Stuart Hamblin, singing his newly written song, "It Is No Secret What God Can Do." From that day on, he devoted his life to being a "good and faithful servant" and lived that out well in everything he did and with everyone he met. To know Roy was to love Roy and he had a smile that would light up a room.

Roy loved sports and as a young man, he played basketball for the Redmond Redmen Eastside YMCA basketball team, where the team experienced an undefeated season and a district championship in 1949.

Roy entered the United States Air Force as a young man and attended basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas and then was stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska (Alaskan Air Command) and later was stationed at the Sublette Radar Station near Kirksville, Missouri (790th Radar Squadron). He was a Radar Technician and achieved the rank of Airman First Class.

While he was stationed at the Sublette Radar Station he met the love of his life, Betty Esther Begley. From the moment he saw her while attending church in Kirksville, Missouri, he said "I'm gonna marry that girl" to his best friend. From that moment on, he never wavered in his love and devotion to her and on February 1, 1953, after a short three-month courtship, they said "I do". Oh, the adventures they would have over the next 72 years from raising a family, to building and renovating properties, running a business, traveling and serving the Lord. Together they raised a daughter and son, Robin & Rollin and helped raise their nephew, Bill Thomsen, fondly known as a "brousin", a brother cousin.

Throughout his life, Roy, was a man of great faith & courage helping and leading his family, friends and others to Jesus Christ. Wherever he lived he faithfully served Jesus Christ in the local Assembly of God Church ministering as a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Leader, Men's Group Leader and Deacon.

After serving in the United States Air Force, Roy worked for the Alaskan Railroad and the Kansas City Fire Department. Roy was also employed by the American Machine and Foundry, (AMF Inc.) for 20 years installing and servicing bowling equipment.

In 1976, Roy & Betty had the opportunity to install, own and operate their own bowling center business, Coach Light Lanes, in Marshfield, Missouri. First as an 8-lane center and later expanding to a 12-lane center in a new location. In 1988, they sold the bowling center and moved to Table Rock Lake (They have lived in Cape Fair, Kimberling City and Reeds Spring).

Roy & Betty were both employed at Silver Dollar City. Roy was first employed as a security officer, working nights. As a "people person" he missed interacting with people. He was then transferred to days where he soon found his "niche" in the popcorn wagon near the gazebo. His kind and helpful personality soon earned him the title of "Popcorn Roy."

Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Eldon R. and Agnes E. Chapman, three sisters, Clair L. Hirschkorn, Donna L. DeHart, Marjorie Adams, an infant son, Rodney Eugene Chapman, and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Jo Chapman.

Roy is survived by his wife, Betty, their daughter, Robin Yocom and husband, Bill, their son, Rollin Chapman and wife, Kathy, their nephew, Bill Thomsen and wife, Debbie, their grandchildren, Dr. Ben Yocom and wife, Michelle, Bethany (Yocom) Durrer and husband, Dan, Barry Yocom and wife, Carlie, Dr. Jordan Chapman and wife, Becca, Jayme (Chapman) Voliva and husband, Paul, George Terlep and wife, Julie and Anna Terlep, 15 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and one sister, Beverly Clement and husband, John.

Burial will be at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, Missouri, on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. with military honors Under the direction of Stumpff Funeral home, Crane, MO.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, 2:00 p.m. at Keystone Assembly of God, 2731 State Highway 248, Reeds Spring, Missouri.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8