Obituary: Fred John Chapman

Fred John Chapman 1908 ~ 2006 Fredrick John Chapman a devoted husband, loving father and grandparent passed away peacefully at his home, April 4, 2006, in Logan at the age of 98, of causes incident to age. Fred was born March 4, 1908 to Jennie May and Fredrick Charles Chapman in Nephi, Utah. He was the oldest son in a family of two girls and two boys. As a young man Fred worked for a local gardner. He sold ice cream from a horse drawn wagon. Later, he worked at the theater, then at the Photo Studio with his father. Fred was drafted into the military on September 9, 1942. On September 11, 1942, he married Ruth Esther Paystrup in the Manti Temple. Two days later he left his bride to serve his country. After training for overseas duty, he was assigned to the 14th Air Force and was sent to China. His first assignment was in radio and Cryptography. He was later put in charge of the photo lab with the Chinese American Composite Wing, where he was stationed until after the war. He was presented with a medal from the Commanding General from the Chinese government for his prize winning photography, his outstanding ability to work with the Chinese people, and his high moral values. After returning to Nephi, he opened his photography studio. Many a customer or a school child can remember his "Look at your Uncle Dudley" as he creatively tried to get just the right expression. Many of his scenic pictures of his beloved Mt Nebo are in the local museum, along with many of his historical pictures of Nephi. His historical pictures of Nephi became part of a history book about Nephi entitled, "They Left a Record." He was a sought after speaker sharing his historical pictures and Chinese pictures, which he loved to share. He also delivered mail for the Post Office. Fred was well known in Nephi for his friendliness, his keen sense of humor, and for being a good friend to all. He loved to grow things. He took great pleasure in his gardens and sharing what he grew with others. He was a dedicated member of the LDS church and served willingly and whole-heartedly in whatever calling he was given. Fred leaves a remarkable legacy of unconditional love, finding time, space and compassion for all who entered his life. His sense of humor and willingness to go the extra mile will be dearly missed. He is survived by his wife, Ruth, Carol Flaspoehler of West Jordon, JoAnn (Jerry) Thain of Smithfield and Emily (Art) Allison, Farmington, New Mexico; (an Indian Placement daughter for six years) 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; His sister, Donna Hiatt, Payson. He was preceded in death by a brother, Maurice Chapman, and a sister, Florence Wilkey. Funeral Services will be held at noon on Monday, April 10th, in the Juab Stake Center, 351 North 1st West, Nephi, Utah. Friends and family may call from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday morning prior to the funeral. Interment will be in the Nephi City Cemetery. Special thanks to the staff members of Williamsburg for their care and love and to Hospice Alliance.