NORTH MANCHESTER - Ralph P. Chapman, 87, of North Manchester, died at 6:35 p.m. Jan. 16, 2009, in Peabody Healthcare Center, North Manchester.
He was born Sept. 27, 1921, in Bonaqua, Tenn., to Russell and Clara Pluimer Chapman. On July 11, 1942, he married Betty Barr, who died Oct. 25, 2008.
He was a farmer for many years and worked at Bourbon Creamery for six years, Laketon Creamery for 14 years until it closed, and Endicott Church Furniture Co., Warsaw, retiring in 1984. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942-45, and was a tech sergeant in Patton's 3rd Army, 80th Division. He received two Purple Hearts for injury in service, an Oak Leaf Cluster and the EAME Theater Ribbon with three bronze stars. He a member of Congregational Christian Church; American Legion 402, Laketon; Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans.
Surviving are a son, Bruce Chapman (and companion Phillip Addario), Westport, Conn.; a daughter, Susan (and spouse Bill) Green, North Manchester; two grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers and a sister.
Services were at 1 p.m. today at Peabody Chapel, North Manchester, with Pastor J.P. Freeman officiating. Burial was in Reichter Cemetery, Talma.
DeLaughter-McKee Mortuary, North Manchester, is in charge of arrangements.
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Memorials to Congregational Christian Church, 310 N. Walnut St., North Manchester, IN 46962.
