Raymond Chapman

Raymond "R.D." Chapman, the son of Claude E. and Wilhemina Reich Chapman, was born November 28, 1906, on a farm south of Cawker City, Kansas. He died November 8, 2005, at Hilltop Lodge in Beloit, Kansas, at the age of 98 years, 11 months and 10 days.
R.D. grew up on the farm and graduated from Kipp High School. He attended Brown Mackie Business College in Salina, and in 1937, he moved to Beloit and established the Western Auto Store which he operated until his retirement in 1972.
On May 18, 1930, R.D. was united in marriage with Velma Freeman and two sons and two daughters were born to that union. The couple had been privileged to spend 52 years of married life together until Velma's death in 1982. On May 10, 1986, R.D. was married to Dora Beck Prochaska, and they had many happy years together.
R.D. was a long time member of the Beloit United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir for many years. He also served as song leader for the Beloit Lions Club for many years and was a longtime member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Men's Bowling Association and the Beloit Tree Board. After his retirement, he greatly enjoyed fishing and needlepoint.
Survivors include his wife, Dora of the home; two daughters, Janet Wingate of Denver and Bonnie Woodruff and her husband, James of Gerald, Missouri; a son, Dean Chapman and his wife, Virginia of Westminster, California; 7 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Donna Chapman; and a step-daughter, Norma Jean Grotz. In addition to his first wife, R.D. was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Kenneth; a brother, Ercil and two sisters, Eva Gilmore and Elsie Johnson.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Saturday, November 12, at the Beloit United Methodist Church. Memorials may be given to the church or the Beloit Senior Center. Visitation will be from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM Thursday and 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday at the McDonald Funeral Home, 910 North Campbell, Beloit, KS 67420.