Robert R. Chapman

Robert R. (Bob) Chapman, 85, passed away on February 12, 2010, at his home. At his request, cremation has taken place. Memorials, if desired, can be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars, Fruitbelt Post 1137, 2616 E. Napier Ave., Benton Harbor, MI 49022, of which he was a life member, and/or Hospice at Home. Mr. Chapman was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on February 23, 1924. He became a United States citizen on January 18, 1942. His parents were William Ross Chapman and Clara Emily (Ploof) Chapman of Rochester, New York, both of whom had preceded him in death some years before. Bob graduated from Madison High School in Rochester, New York in 1942 and enlisted in the Army of the United States the same year. He served in the Signal Corps as a high speed radio operator and saw action in Europe with the 56th Signal Battalion. He participated in the initial assault landings on Omaha Beach during the invasion of France on June 6, 1944. For his part in this operation he was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry inaction, by General Leonard T. Gerow, Commanding General of the Fifth Corps, First United States Army. He remained with the 56th Signal Battalion through the European campaign earning five battle stars; Normandy, Central Europe, Northern France, Ardennes, and Rhineland. He was honorably discharged in 1945. After his discharge from the military, Bob attended the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York, graduating in 1950 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked for Distillation Products Inc., Eastman Kodak Company, and Stromberg Carlson Company, all of Rochester, New York, and Mallory Timers Company of Indianapolis, Indiana. He had a number of positions with Mallory Timers Company and after 28 years of service, he retired in 1987. Bob was a master woodcraftsman and enjoyed making toys for Toys for Tots each Christmas. Mr. Chapman has resided in the area since 1970 and leaves his wife of 61 years, Shirley Ruth (Lee) Chapman; one son, Robert E. Chapman (Joyce) of Plano, TX; daughter Sandra Matthews (Tom) of Stevensville; grandchildren, Candice Chapman, Robert (Alissa Cartwright) Matthews, Stacia (Rick) Hall, Fredrick Matthews, Stephanie, and Megan (Tony Adams) Matthews; great-grandchildren, Gabrielle, Genesis, Caden, Eric, Victoria, and Skyler; and by his sister, Cathryne Weld of Rochester, NY.

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Robert R. Chapman

February 23, 1924 - February 12, 2010