Obituary of Douglas H. Chapman

Mr. Douglas H. "Doug" Chapman, 84, of Honey Hill Road, Fort Plain, NY died peacefully Friday, December 4, 2009 at Albany Medical Center following a brief illness. Born on July 3, 1925 in Freysbush, NY he was the son of the late Harry and Bessie Hall Chapman. A lifelong area resident, Doug worked on the family farm. In 1944 he was drafted in to the United States Army. He served proudly as a police officer until his honorable discharge in 1949. He then was employed by Ameri-Gas where he worked as a delivery and service man until his retirement. Doug was a member of the Otsquago Coin Association for 25 years, the River Valley Tractor Club and the Freysush Methodist Church. A giving individual, he was always helping others. He enjoyed people and telling stories. Doug's greatest joy was his legacy; his grandchildren and great grandchildren meant the world to him and he took great pride in them and their accomplishments. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. On October 30, 1948 he was united in marriage to the former Elizabeth "Betty" Waffle. That union lasted 57 years until her passing on January 31, 2006. He was also predeaceased by his brothers Howard Mann, Frank Mann, Everett Chapman, Charles Chapman and Harvey Chapman. His family includes, his daughters Sandra George Falk, Nancy Frank Hyde and Cathy Dale Shults; a sister, Cleora Mann; a brother, Leonard Gloria Chapman; seven grandchildren, Susan Ed Pellegrmi, Julie Gerard Scorzelli, Melissa Chuck Benoit, Bryan Janelle Shults, Holley Brian Bedell, Ben Michele Chiappa and Janine Ted McKenna; ten great grandchildren, Carolyn, Samantha, Christopher, Logan, Cooper, Tyler, Katelyn, Madelyn, Leah and Clementine. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 10 o'clock at the Lenz & Betz Funeral Home, 69 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317, with the Rev. Kenneth Dingman presiding. A calling hour will precede the funeral beginning at 9 o'clock. Relatives and friends may also call Tuesday evening, December 8, 2009 from 4 until 7 at the funeral home. Inurnment with full military honors will take place on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 1 o'clock at the Freysbush Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mid- County Volunteer Ambulance Service, PO Box 453, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428.