William Chapman

William Junior Chapman was born near Prescott, Iowa in Adams County January 9, 1938, the son of William and Pauline (Lane) Chapman. William was raised and educated in Adams and Union counties, graduating from Cromwell High School with the Class of 1955. On August 8, 1959, Bill enlisted in the Army National Guard and was Honorably Discharged on June 30, 1965.

On November 6, 1960, Bill was united in marriage to his long-time sweetheart, Betty Blazek, in Creston, Iowa. The couple were blessed with the birth of 3 sons: Rick, Rod and Dan. Bill farmed with his father in Adams County on the family farm until it was sold in the early 1990’s. Over the years, Bill’s interest in agriculture led him to being a Livestock Buyer and the crop production was more part-time. Bill always enjoyed going to the area sale barns to purchase livestock and socialize. He raised his own cattle and hogs for many years. Bill’s interest in stock car racing took him to many different dirt tracks all across the Midwest. The most popular race track Bill attended was Adams County Speedway where he was inducted to the Hall Of Fame. Another form of racing that Bill loved was horse racing with many trips to Ak-Sar-Ben. In their later years, Bill and Betty loved going to the casino and if they were not at home, they were probably there.

Preceding Bill in death was his wife, Betty in January 2020; his parents, William & Pauline Chapman, sister, Mary Nichols and brother-in-law Stan Nichols.

Bill is survived by his 3 sons: Rick Chapman of Creston, Iowa; Rod Chapman (Diane Kitzman) of Kearney, Nebraska and Dan (Marie) Chapman of Creston, Iowa; 4 grandchildren: Devon (Josh) Cross, Alex Chapman, Mikel (Tina) Curtis and Mark Curtis; 6 great-grandchildren: Olivia and Willow Cross; Taya, Cade, Izabelle and Avalyn Curtis.