Milford "Mel" Lawrence Chapman

Milford “Mel” Lawrence Chapman was born April 29, 1930 to Irvin and Grace (Hammons) Chapman and departed this life on June 3, 2021 in the Salem Memorial District Hospital at the age of ninety-one years. Mel was one of four children and he grew up in the Sligo/Salem area. He was united in marriage to Ruthene Mead on January 3, 1976 and together shared thirty-nine years of memories. In his early working years, Mel worked as a laborer in the construction business in St. Louis. He was later employed at the Coat Plant and Hagale Apparel Factory in Salem. Mel was a devoted and hard worker. Mel enjoyed mowing lawns and took great satisfaction with the finished job. He loved to visit and hold conversations with people. One of his favorite things to do was go to Shawnee Mac Lake where he loved to feed the ducks and peacefully watch them. Mel loved his family dearly and treasured time spent with them. Mel is survived by his loving children: Linda Rose Gamblin and special friend Bill "Pottsie" Potzmann of Salem, MO, Brenda Elaine True and husband Mike of Lebanon, MO, Larry Boardman and wife Linda of Santa Fe, TX, Sandra Kay Ammons and husband Blake of Rolla, MO; one brother: Larry Chapman and wife Rena of Rolla, MO; grandchildren: Jay, Angelia, Matthew, John, Stephanie, Grant, Lance, and Laura; great-grandchildren: Lindsay, Jayden, Carley, Kailey, Raegan, Hannah, Ashlynn, Josiah, Mercedes, Benjamin, and several more; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife: Ruthene Chapman; parents: Irvin and Grace Chapman; sister: Verena Thomas, and an infant sibling. Mel's memories will live on in the many lives he touched along the way. He will be deeply missed, but forever remembered by all who knew and loved him. Funeral Services for Milford Lawrence Chapman were held Monday, June 7, 2021 in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor Charlie Younger officiating. Song selections played were “Peace In The Valley”, “Wish Grandpas Never Died”, “Jealous Of The Angels”, and “Are You Washed In The Blood/I’ll Fly Away”. Special music was provided by Charlie Younger and Angie Harrison singing “When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder” and “Help Is On The Way. Serving as Pallbearers were Bill Potzmann, Jay Gamblin, Jayden Gamblin, Blake Ammons, and Don Curtis. Honorary Pallbearers were Lance Boardman, Larry Boardman, and Larry Chapman. Burial was in the North Lawn Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Online condolences may be entered at wilsonmortuary.com

Milford "Mel" Lawrence Chapman

April 29, 1930 - June 3, 2021