Obituary of John Edward Chapman

John went home to Heaven on September 18, 2019 at the age of 95, to meet his Lord and Savior, family, and friends who have gone on before him. He was born In Gilmer County West Virginia to John D. and Eula (Wright) Chapman and was the third born of 4 children. He met his wife and companion Cathern (Chipps) Chapman of 69 years in 1948 and they were married on December 17, 1949. Together John and Cathern raised 4 children Joseph, Charles, Eula and Cathy. As a family they spent much time with extended family and taking vacations most of which included camping and fishing. John loved to hunt and fish and recently would venture over to Lake Washington to enjoy the peace of God’s great outdoors. John did not graduate high school due to signing up for the Navy at the age of 17. He served in the United States Navy for 6 years during WWII, experiencing kamikaze raids that resulted in the ship he was serving on, The USS Newcomb, being nearly destroyed. This did not keep him from having successful careers with Goodyear in Akron Ohio where he retired after 25 years. He then moved his family to Florida where he fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a commercial fisherman. He also retired from Pan Am. He was determined and received his diploma later in life. John was focused on serving in his local church in several capacities including, Deacon and Missions Director. He also served his community in Norton, Ohio as Councilman and the Mayor. John is survived by his wife Cathern Janet (Chipps) Chapman, his children Joseph (Caroline) Chapman, Charles (Debra) Chapman, Eula (Thomas) Schutte, and Cathy (Richard) Cobb, grandchildren Duane, Christine, Patrick, Christopher, Julie, Stephanie, Rebecca, Arianna, Patrick, Alison, Amie, Bella Storm, Bryan and Renee, 30 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. John was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ralph (Sue) and Vincent, his sister Marion (Cecil) and his granddaughter Angela. During his illness and passing John was blessed to have his family by his side. His home going celebration will be held Saturday, September 21, 2019 at Calvary Baptist Church, 2980 N. Wickham Road Melbourne, FL 32935; Pastor Sergio Reyes presiding. The visitation will begin at 10:00am and the service will follow at 11:00am. Immediately following will be the internment at Fountainhead Memorial Gardens in Palm Bay.