Billy Chaplin Obituary

Billy Joe Chaplin Sr., 87, of Hannibal, MO, passed away at 7:30 AM, Saturday, July 5, 2025, at his home. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 AM, Thursday, July 10, 2025, at James O'Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal, MO. Pastor Tom Day will officiate. Burial will be at Kinderhook Cemetery in Kinderhook, IL. Friends and Family are invited to Billy's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at the funeral home. Billy was born May 16, 1938, in Pittsfield, IL to Hamer Chaplin and Coy Doyle Chaplin. He was married to Carol Jeanne Saxbury Leapley on January 19, 1982, in Pittsfield, IL. She survives. Other survivors include his five children, Joe Chaplin of Hannibal, MO, Dennis Leapley (Laura) of Maryville, IL, John Leapley (Mary Kay) of Liberty, IL, Travis Leapley )Dana) of Pittsburg, IL, and Jason Leapley (Dionne) of Hannibal, MO; three brothers, Lyndel Chaplin (Dee) of Quincy, IL, Jesse Chaplin (Judy) of Plainville, IL, and Dan Chaplin (Diane) of St. Charles, MO; two sisters, Karen Fowler of Pittsfield, IL, and Grace Coppess (Max) of Stanwood, IA; 18 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Billy was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Austin John Leapley; brother, Hamer Chaplin; four sisters, Helen Robinson, Wanda Mae Smith, Virginia Helms, and Bernice Kleinfelter; brother-in-law, Bruce Fowler; and nephew, Tony Fowler. Billy worked at several occupations over the years. Starting at Electric Wheel and later Bross Construction, Billy joined Continental Cement Plant, from which he retired as a maintenance supervisor. Billy also previously worked for D.B. Gray Co. in Hull, IL, owner of Chaplin Lawn Service, he was also a self employed heavy equipment operator, digging graves at local cemeteries and owned and operated a service station and restaurant in Kinderhook, IL with his wife. Billy loved the dirt track racing, where he not only competed but also forged lifelong friendships and memories. As time passed, Billy transitioned from the driver's seat to a role of support and mentorship, assisting Kent Saxbury with racing endeavors. His knowledge and experience were invaluable, and his contributions to the sport were unmatched. Billy's passion for racing was not confined to the dirt tracks. He was a lifelong fan of NASCAR, with the Brickyard 400 holding a special place in his heart as his favorite race. Jeff Gordon held the title of being Billy's favorite driver. Away from the racetrack, Billy found serenity at Bennett Springs, where he spent countless hours fishing. An avid sports fan, Billy's loved to watch the St. Louis Cardinals and rarely missed catching a game. In his downtime, Billy could often be found watching episodes of "The Rifleman," losing himself in the adventures of the wild west. Most of all, Billy cherished each moment spent with his family and friends. Billy was a member of the Reorganized Latter Day Saints Church in Hannibal, MO. Pallbearers will be Billy's grandsons; Zachary Leapley, Kyle Leapley, Kody Leapley, Tyler Leapley, Trevor Leapley, Ethan Leapley, and Zander Leapley. Honorary pallbearers will be Billy's brothers, nephews, and longtime family friends, Earl Rodgers, and Dale Hemme. Memorial contributions may be made to Cuddle Cat Rescue or Alzheimer's Association. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Billy, please visit our floral store.