Jerry Chapman

Jerry Chapman, a beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on August 4, 2023, in Urbana, IL. Born on July 30, 1943, in Robinson, IL, Jerry was the son of Harry and Leota (Buckner) Chapman.

Jerry was a man of deep and abiding love for his family. He married Carolyn Macey on September 30, 1962, in Annapolis, Illinois, and together they built a family that cherished one another. While Carolyn, his parents, Harry & Leota Chapman, and his brother, Scottie & his wife Judy Chapman, and niece Melissa Glenn preceded him in death, Jerry's spirit lives on in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his children, Cheryl Davison & friend Bill Lewis (Oblong), Mike & Pam Chapman (Annapolis), and Mary Ann & Aaron Crome (Marshall); his grandchildren, Matthew & Jodi Davison, Michelle & Brad Meese, Andrea & Scott Wroblewski, Ben Chapman, Thomas Crome, and Megan Crome; his great-grandchildren, Kaylynn Davison, Carter Davison, Lucas Davidson, Gavin Meese, Jackson Meese and Lauren Meese.

Growing up in rural Annapolis, Jerry attended Annapolis grade school and graduated from Hutsonville High School in 1961. At school, he was active in the FFA and, after graduating, chose to serve his country in the National Guard. Jerry spent his whole life farming, a profession he was immensely proud of and devoted to.

Jerry's passion for his work was rivaled only by his love for his family and his multitude of interests. He and Carolyn were fond of traveling, often taking their grandchildren on memorable road trips and vacations, particularly to Disney World in Florida. An enthusiastic fan of NASCAR and Indy car races, Jerry never missed a weekend televised race and attended the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400 to enjoy the thrill of the races firsthand.

Beyond his personal hobbies, Jerry was deeply involved in his community. He was a founding member of the Prairie-Licking Fire Department, a devoted member of the St. Charles Catholic Church in Casey, and an active participant in the Annapolis Ruritan Club and the Crawford County 4-H Youth Council. Above all else, Jerry placed family first. He never missed an event for his grandchildren, showcasing his unwavering support at their sporting events and livestock shows.

To say Jerry Chapman was a man of few words is an understatement, but when he did speak, each word carried weight and meaning. Quietly commanding, deeply loved, and richly remembered, Jerry was a beacon to all who knew him. He has left an enduring legacy that will continue to resonate in the lives of his cherished family and the community he loved. His spirit will forever remind us of what it means to lead a life of service, humility, love, and genuine joy.

A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 8th, at Prust-Hosch Funeral Home in West Union, IL. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 9th, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Marshall. Burial will be in the St. Mary's Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to "St. Mary's Catholic Church", "St. Charles Catholic Church" or the "Crawford County 4-H and Extension Foundation", with envelopes available at the funeral home and church.