Keith Chapman

Keith Leroy Chapman, 75, of Frederick, passed away at 12:05 PM, Wednesday, September 13, 2017, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.

He was born on September 26, 1941, at his parent’s home in Bainbridge Township, Schuyler County, Illinois, the son of Maurice and Julia (Smedley) Chapman.  He married Marcie McCaulley on July 5, 1962 in Virginia, Illinois and she survives.

Also surviving are four children Army Veteran Sargent Franny Simmons of Petersburg, Indiana, Tammy Fretueg and husband Rick of Camden, Sargent First Class Retired Timothy S. Chapman and wife Kellee of Plato, Missouri, and Brenda Doolin and husband Dan of Frederick, 11 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, one brother Richard “Jack” Chapman and wife Donna of Mendota, one sister Barbara Smith and husband Donald “Smitty” of Chapin, his dogs Tigger and Molly and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by a son Stephen Chapman, a son-in-law Mike Allen, a great granddaughter Kenley Simmons.

Keith served in the US Army during Vietnam.  He worked for 29 years as a heavy equipment operator with Operating Engineers retiring in 2006.  He then owned and operated Chapman Excavation.

He was a member of the Schuyler American Legion Post # 4, the Ripley Church of God (Abrahamic Faith), and the National Rifle Association.  He was also a member and actively rode with the Patriot Guard.  He was a ham radio operator AA9GK.  He enjoyed tinkering with his equipment and working with his sawmill.  For many years, he hatched and raised quail.

Graveside Services will be at 11:30 AM Saturday, September 16, 2017, at the Clark-Newberry Cemetery, near Frederick, with Rob Laning officiating.  Military rites will be conducted by the Schuyler American Legion Post # 4. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 16, 2017, at the Wood Funeral Home, in Rushville.  Memorials are suggested to the Schuyler Veterans Memorial or the Patriot Guard.