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 gardener. 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 LDS 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 of Farmington, New Mexico (an Indian Placement
daughter for 6 years); 11 grandchildren; 9
great-grandchildren; sister, Donna Hiatt of Payson. He was
preceded in death by a brother, Maurice Chapman, and a
sister, Florence Wilkey.
Funeral Services were held at noon on Monday, April 10,
2006 in the Juab Stake Center, 351 North 1st West, Nephi,
Utah. Interment in the Nephi City Cemetery.
Special thanks to the staff members of Williamsburg for
their care and love and to Hospice Alliance.
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