Birth date: Sep 1, 1928 Death date: May 21, 2020
Richard Wayne Chapman was born September 1, 1928, and passed from this life May 21, 2020 at St. Francis Hospital, Tulsa, OK, from complications due to COVID-19. He was born to Byron and Charlotte “Zoe” (Beal) Chapman in Jefferson, Read Obituary
I thought the world of Coach Chapman. He was such a fine and kind man. My two years in his history classes prepared me for my life as a journalist. I will never forget his courage in teaching us about the Tulsa Riots of 1921. He was the only... the ONLY teacher, I believe, in our school or maybe even in Tulsa Public Schools, who taught on this subject. This was in 1978. I am so lucky, and so blessed to have known him.
--Christopher Turner, Memorial Class of 78
I am so very sorry to hear of Coach Chapman's passing. He was a great coach and mentor for all of us that were fortunate enough to have had him as our coach and teacher. I am proud of the time I got to spend with him at his friend's (Gus Gates) farm in Pond Creek. Coach Chapman knew how to prepare a boy to play a game, as well as how to form a work ethic for life! Gus Gate's farm and football were a part of that plan. Thank you, Coach! You will be greatly missed at our future reunions, but you will NEVER be forgotten! David Peters, Class of '59, Henryetta Hens
Dearest Joan and David - You know I had to send the flowers. Let them remind you of your wonderful Dad as long as they last. He was one of a kind. No one could have had a better uncle, always ready for a hug or a laugh. He always reminded me of the Proverb: "A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance." Prov. 15:13 Especially in his later years, the light of Jesus Christ was inside of him, radiating outward. May we all grow in such a way. He truly earned his place in the hall of fame as the name he'll be remembered by: "Coach." Love and hugs to you, Missie, and all the kids, Jen
My friend Coach Chapman was a Christian Gentleman.
He was always an encourager and a positive influence on so many of us. His desire to develop his students splashed over on his older colleagues as well.
Many of us received an encouraging card with a miniature Bible in the mail at just the right time.
Sometimes during a Bible study he would open his Bible to focus our attention on words of truth.
He shared his garden produce with us or place a prized jar of jam or jelly in our hands.
His concern for others was especially demonstrated in his constant prayers for his great grandson Timothy.
I was blessed to have a friend like Coach Chapman.
Rev. Hiram E. Sanders
He was a fine gentleman and I respected him greatly. What an example he set for his students and athletes. He was my history teacher at Edison HS. Even thought I never played down for him ( I wrestled) he always made me feel like I was one of the best athletes he ever saw. I was part of that great Edison class of 1967 that he took to district champions. I was fortunate to see him at other times after graduation at the Southwood pool and he attended some of our class reunions. RIP COACH !
Elden Hoffman
