William Chapman Obituary

William "Bill" Chapman, age 91 of Buffalo, Missouri, entered into rest on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Colonial Springs Healthcare Facility in Buffalo, Missouri. William Edward Chapman was born on November 28, 1933, in Buffalo, Missouri to the late Leroy and Grace (Gaunt) Chapman. Growing up, Bill spent lots of time at the hardware store, whether it was visiting his dad (and playing with dynamite) or dusting the shelves (for his sister) to earn a cherry Coke. At a revival meeting held in the fall of 1945, at First Baptist Church Buffalo, Bill was saved and later baptized in Greasy Creek by Reverend Milkalkowski. He graduated from Buffalo High School in 1951 and then attended Drury College, graduating in 1954. In 1955, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy. He attended Naval School at Great Lakes Naval Base in Chicago. He then was in Brunswick, Georgia before being permanently transferred to San Diego in 1956. During his time in the Navy, Bill traveled the world and rose through the ranks. He became an officer in training in New Port, Rhode Island, completing training in Pensacola, Florida. While over seas in Hawaii, Japan and Guam, Bill was promoted to his highest rank of Lieutenant, Junior Grade. Bill served his country faithfully and honorably. He was always proud that he was able to serve. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Bill returned home to Buffalo and to that very hardware store he loved as a child. For over 50 years, Bill owned and operated Chapman Hardware. The store is where he eventually met the love of his life, Ruby (Bonner) McDowell. That meeting was when Bill's life was really got good. He was blessed to be the (not so step) stepdad to three wonderful children. He loved his kids as if they were his own, in his eyes they were. He was later blessed with his beloved grandchildren and life continued to get sweeter with the addition of great-grandchildren. Not a day went by that Bill did not speak or show his love for his family. He taught the kids how to love by showing them how much he loved their mom. He loved and cared for Ruby until her passing in 2015. Bill leaves behind a great legacy that is impossible to put entirely down on paper. He served not only his country but his community. Every gallon of paint or box of nails sold came with the bonus of his friendship. He would often make home deliveries and house calls to his neighbors in need. He was kind to all and will be greatly missed by all whose life he touched. Bill was preceded by his parents; his brothers, Harold Chapman, John Jackson "Jackie" Chapman, Robert "Bob" Chapman; his sisters, Virginia Alford, Elizabeth "Betty" Chapman, Josephine "Josie" Chapman, Mara Lou Bradley; his son, Joe Bill McDowell, and wife Ruby Chapman. He is survived by his daughter Linda McDowell Clopp and husband Mike, and son Ron McDowell and wife Helen; his grandchildren, Cecily Wilkinson and husband Mike, Erin Burtis and husband Eric, Sarah Van Bibber and husband Kevin, Dr. Ryan McDowell and wife Katie; great- grandchildren, Lauren Wilkinson, Charlie Wilkinson, Ava Burtis, Harper Burtis, Carter VanBibber, Clayton VanBibber, Zetta Ruby McDowell, Jessie McDowell, ZuZu McDowell, and Josiah McDowell; as well as many extended family members, friends, neighbors, and beloved customers. In lieu of flowers, it is asked that memorial contributions are given to CMH Hospice. Services are scheduled for 2:00 pm on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the Cantlon Otterness & Viets Funeral home with Pastor Terry Gentry, Sr officiating. Visitation will be held the hour prior from 1:00 pm -2:00 pm. Burial will follow at Macks Creek Cemetery with Dr. Ryan McDowell, Kevin VanBibber, Mike Wilkinson, Eric Burtis, Doug Bradley, and Hal Chapman serving at pallbearers. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home, Buffalo.
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