January 11, 1953 - June 7, 2024
Richard Lane “Dick” Chapman was born on Jan. 11, 1953, to Edwin and Lois Elliott Chapman in Bristow. He went to his heavenly father on June 7, 2024, at his home in Bristow.
Richard graduated from Bristow High School in 1971, where he served as Class President multiple times and was honored with the titles of “Best Personality” and “Most Popular.” He continued his education at the University of Oklahoma, earning a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. He was a proud OU Sooners fan, like his father and brothers before him. During his university years, he was an active member of Phi Delta Theta, where he forged lifelong friendships. It was also at OU that he met and married Mary Prentice in 1976. Together, they raised two children, Cole and Logan Chapman.
Known for his striking presence and charismatic personality, Richard had a distinguished career as the Public Relations Manager for Weyerhaeuser Company, serving for over 21 years. During his time with Weyerhaeuser, he resided in Idabel, Oklahoma, where he was honored as “Citizen of the Year.” After retiring from Weyerhaeuser, he returned to his hometown of Bristow to be closer to his ranch and lifelong friends.
Richard found joy in working on his cattle ranch, continuously improving it, and fishing in his ponds. He delighted in sharing his catches with loved ones and was renowned for his delicious fish fries. An avid golfer and traveler, he also had a deep passion for politics as a proud member of the Republican Party. Above all, he cherished spending time with his family and friends, especially his beloved granddaughter, Everleigh, who affectionately called him “Pops.”
Proceeded in death by his parents and brothers, Paul and JT Chapman, Richard leaves behind a loving family to cherish his memory: his son, Cole Chapman (Daphne), granddaughters, Everleigh Chapman and Madison Cox, of Norman, Oklahoma; his daughter, Logan Chapman, of Durant; his beloved cousin, Jill Tower, of Absarokee, Montana; and the mother of his children, with whom he shared a special bond, Mary Herron (Don), of Idabel. He is also survived by nieces, Jill Chapman, Laura Rowley, and Rosalie Fairbanks.
A celebration of life will be held on June 22, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Hutchins-Maples Matherly Funeral Home Chapel, 119 N Chestnut St, Bristow. Visitation with family and friends will precede the service at 12 p.m. The family extends special thanks to Sam Miller Private Duty Group, Luminos Hospice, lifelong friend Mike Jones, and his assistant Machelle Willis for their support and care.
Richard was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. He will be remembered for his lively banter, unwavering dedication, and the boundless love he had for his family, friends, and community.