Elwood, Nebraska

Donald R. Chapman, age 92, of Elwood, Nebraska passed away on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at the Lexington Regional Health Center, in Lexington, Nebraska. He was born on August 31, 1920 at Powell, Nebraska to Ralph and Esther (Leisenfeldt) Chapman.  

He attended grade school in Powell, Nebraska. The family moved to Fairfield, Nebraska in 1933 and he graduated from Fairfield High School with the Class of 1937. After high school, he began working for Union Pacific. After several years, he accepted a position with Charles DeLue engineering company in Chicago, Illinois as chief of party survey crew. Later he would move back to Clay Center, Nebraska and work for the Navy Depot at Hastings, Nebraska. In 1946, he began trucking grain, gravel, and welding gas. He would also own a tavern in Clay Center for a few years. Then move to Elwood, Nebraska and purchased a liquor store in 1950. After selling the business, he became a car salesman for the Ford garage in Lexington, Nebraska. He would retire in 1984. He married Velma Godtel on December 27, 1940 and later divorce in 2006. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and financial supported many projects, organizations, and churches in Elwood, Nebraska.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and 2 brothers.

He is survived by his nephew Jim Chapman of Nelson, Nebraska

                     Friends & neighbors: Alice & Don Leggott of Elwood, Nebraska

Condolences and personal reflections may be left at elwoodfuneralhome.com

Viewing and visitation will be Thursday, April 25, 2013 from 4 PM till 8 PM at Elwood Funeral Home, in Elwood, Nebraska. Graveside services will be Friday, April 26, 2013 at 1:30 PM at the Elwood Cemetery, in Elwood, Nebraska with Pastor Phyllis Dunlop, officiating. Memorials are suggested to the Gosper County Senior Center in Elwood, Nebraska. Elwood Funeral Home of Elwood, Nebraska is in charge of the arrangements.