Van Chapman

Van Chapman, 86, of Searcy, died Monday, September 5, 2011 at White County Medical Center. He was born September 29, 1924 in Griffithville, Arkansas the son of the late George Benjamin "Ben" and Pansy Chapman. Van grew up in Griffithville on a small family farm, a child of the Great Depression. He was a 1942 graduate of Griffithville High School, where he was valedictorian. After high school, he briefly attended Arkansas State Teachers College before enlisting in the United States Army on March 15, 1943, where he served with the 252nd Port Co. TC, Calcutta, India, in World War II. After discharge from active duty on May 17, 1946, Van returned to college. He graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Law in 1952. After graduation, he moved to Searcy and opened a law practice on the town square. He continued his military service in the U. S. Army Reserve and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1970. Until recently, he owned and managed a large tax consulting firm in Searcy, where he enjoyed serving his many diverse clients. He also worked as a real estate broker. Van was an active member of the First Christian Church in Searcy. A proud veteran, he was a member of VFW Post 2330, where he recently served as quartermaster. He was also a member and past president of the Searcy Lions Club, a member and past president of the White County Democratic Club, and a member of the University of Arkansas Alumni Association. Van was a lifetime fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. He was also a loyal Razorback football fan and a supporter of the University of Arkansas Razorback Foundation. He valued hard work and education, and enjoyed reading and discussions of world and national politics and history. He enjoyed many years of travel with his wife, Glenda, to varied destinations in Europe, the old Soviet Union, Asia, Africa, and North and South America. Van was predeceased by his first wife, Mary Beth Chapman; seven brothers, Hiram, Ralph, Gordon, Roger, Wayne, Neil, and Doyle "Kelly" Chapman; and by a grandson, James David Ahillen. He is survived by his wife of thirty-eight years, Glenda Fry Chapman; three sons, David Chapman (Marty) of Bella Vista; Dick Chapman (Judy) of Little Rock, and Donald Hiram Chapman of Searcy; one daughter, Amy Hall (Joe); one stepson, Dennis Choate (Phyllis); three stepdaughters, Diane and Denise Choate, and Debbie Ahillen (Jim); 12 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; his brother Keith Chapman of Anchorage, Alaska; a sister-in-law, Mary Chapman of Griffithville; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at the Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. Funeral Services will be Friday at 10:00 a.m. at the First Christian Church on Highway 36 in Searcy with interment to follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery at 1501 W. Maryland Avenue in North Little Rock. Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church of Searcy.

Van Chapman

September 29, 1924 - September 5, 2011