David "Dave" Wolfe Chapman, was a local physician who had many passions in his life. First and foremost was his family. He devoted his entire life to the love and care of his family, who deeply love and treasure him.
David, 88, died October 1, 2024. He was born April 1, 1936 in San Francisco, California, the son of Florence Idaho (Wolfe) and Samuel Ezra Chapman.
He graduated from William Chrisman High School, 1954, Independence, Missouri. He graduated from Graceland College, 1956, Lamoni, Iowa, wher he met his future wife, Constance Lee Adkins. He and this college sweetheart married in 1956. On to the University of Missouri (pre-med), then MU School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, graduating in 1961.
He enjoyed his college years as a member of swim and track teams and Acapella Choir. He would later go on to sing in a 400 member Messiah Choir in Independence, MO. During summer breaks he worked in construction, as a forest fire controller in Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana (with his brothers), and even as a crewman on offshore drilling platform out of Galveston, TX!
He and his wife Connie had 5 children while they pursued higher education and he served in the United States Navy for 6 years during the Vietnam War.
David began his medical internship at U.S. Naval Hospital, Camp Pendleton, CA, then became Medical Officer U.S.S. Klondike, at U.S. Naval Station, San Diego, CA. Our family remembers his stories of his white-gloved inspections! No tops of doors escaped his careful inspection! His duties included standing by the big 5-inch guns that boomed loudly (and caused some hearing loss).
He and his young family then spent two years at U.S. Naval Hospital, Jacksonville, FL, before spending two years at Station Hospital, U.S. Naval Hospital Air Station, Sangley Point, Republic of Philippines, first as Chief of Dependent Service and then as Officer in Charge and Medical Officer Admiral's Staff. He attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
During this stage of his military career, he oversaw the physical and mental care of GIs coming from service in Vietnam. This was his honor and privilege.
David entered private practice of family medicine in Independence, MO. where he continued for over twenty years.
When faced suddenly with his wife's death- when their five children were aged 3 to 17 years old- he forged a new path with faith, love, and conviction. They are survived by 5 children, Scott (Annette), Becky Pearson (Rex), Mark (Robin), Dale (Linda), and Ryan (Mandy); 10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
In 1976, he met the second love of his life, Jacquelyn "Jackie" Willis (Kelsey), of Independence, MO, through church affiliations. Jackie had also lost her first spouse, the father of her four children. Together Jackie and David formed a blended family. They enjoyed 47 years of marriage. Together they shared each others interests of music, travel, cross country skiing, skeet/trap shooting, service organizations, and gourmet club, among others. They were both lifelong members of Community of Christ, formerly RLDS. They lived their faith in service in their congregations through lay ministry, youth ministry, camping, and music.
In 1985, Jackie returned to Bradenton, FL to be caregiver to her mother. Shortly thereafter, David retired from his medical practice in Independence to join Jackie in Bradenton.
So began his next courageous step into his future. At age 52, he took the 3-day-long Federal Licensure Examination in Medicine in Florida! Three months later, he entered private practice in Bradenton and medical staff at Blake Medical Center.
Almost 12 years later he retired from medicine, over 39 years after beginning his career in medicine. As one who also enjoyed education and teaching, he then substitute taught at Jackie's encouragement at local schools for ten years. They loved watching the many birds and waterfowl that visited their property and sharing sunrises and sunsets with family.
Jackie recently predeceased David on December 30, 2023. They are also survived by Jackie's children Rebecca Willis Shantz, Daniel Willis, Deborah Willis; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Jackie's fourth, beloved Kathleen (Willis) Davis died in a vehicle accident 2007. Jackie and David were also beloved grandparents to Rebecca's two stepchildren. David is also survived by his sister Nancy Hall (TP) and predeceased by brothers Zail (Carole) and Robert (Sharon).
Visitation will be 1-3pm at Brown & Sons Funeral Home 43rd Chapel; 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209 with a Celebration of Life to follow at 3pm Burial with military honors will be Monday November 4, 2024, 10:30 AM at Sarasota National Cemetary; 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating children's books to your local school.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
