Larry Chapman

Larry Edward Chapman moved to his heavenly home January 9, 2017. He was born in a log cabin near Findlay, IL July 3, 1940 - son of Vera and Edward Chapman. He married Betty Cordes Chapman July 31, 1965.He was a graduate of Warrensburg-Latham High School and Millikin University. He taught mathematics at Prospect High School in Mt. Prospect, IL. Having received a National Science Foundation Grant, he received a Master’s Degree in Mathematics from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Larry taught math for 7 years at his alma mater – Millikin University. He also taught part-time at Richland Community College.He loved baseball and played on championship teams both at Warrensburg High School and Millikin. He coached baseball on both the high school and college level. He was an avid CUBS fan!After leaving the teaching profession, Larry became a Realtor at Lyle Campbell and Sons. Larry pursued excellence in the field by obtaining his GRI designation as well as the CRS in ‘89 and CRB in ‘92. He was appointed to a 3 year term as Governor of the Realtors Institute of Illinois. Another role of leadership was Chairman of the License Law Task Force for Illinois Realtors. One of his enjoyable activities was to co-host the weekly one-hour Radio Realtors program on WSOY. He did this for 12 years with Bruce Campbell.Community involvement was important to Larry. He was a member and president of the Breakfast Optimist Club, as well as past president of CHELP and the Millikin Alumni Board. He was also a graduate of the Decatur Leadership Institute in 1993. Serving on the Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity, Decatur Housing Authority, DCDF- Decatur’s non-profit Community Development Corporation were other areas of leadership which he enjoyed.His faith was important to him, and he served in various teaching and leadership capacities at Central Christian Church including Elder and President of the Congregation in 1989-1990. He received the honorable designation of Elder Emeriti.Larry is survived by his wife Betty and his sons Brett Chapman and wife Jenny of Delafield, WI and Joel Chapman and wife Kerrie of Bartonville, IL. He was very proud and loved his grandchildren Tara, Wyatt, Kolten and Bryce. He is also survived by a multitude of beloved cousins. His parents preceded him in death.A memorial service will be held at Central Christian Church, Saturday, January 14, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. and a reception will be held in the Great Hall at the church immediately following the service.Memorials may be made to Central Christian Preschool or Baby Talk. "
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