He was a retired electrician, a Baptist, United States Army Veteran of World War II and a devout Mason and Shriner. He loved the St. Louis Cardinals, loved to dance and was always involved in the Children's Hospital Shriners Circus in St. Louis. Mr. Chapman would always obtain many ticket to the Circus and give them away to children.
Other than his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Helen Potashnick Chapman; and two brothers, Harry F. Chapman and Harold W. Chapman; half-brother Willie Higginbotham; half-sister, Hallie Witte.
Survivors include one son, Victor Chapman, Jr. (Betty) of Monticello; one daughter Claudia Bratcher (Larry) of Ft. Smith; five grandchildren; two step grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and one step daughter, Barbara Lenzing (Wayne) of St. Louis, MO.
Entombment ceremony with military and masonic honors will take place 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 13, 2018 at Valhalla Mausoleum in St. Louis, with visitation from 12:00-1:30 p.m. Family visitation will be held from 6:00 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Shriner Children's Hospital, 4400 Clayton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(3)
Brenda G Lipton
, AR Thursday, April 12, 2018 I met Mr. Chapman one day in the dining room at Grand Manor, Monticello, Arkansas. I told him we were glad to have him as part of the GM family; his response was, 'this is like a dream." I'm sorry he did not get to spend more time with us.Deb Coffman and Tina Deutschle
Columbia, MO Wednesday, April 11, 2018 To the entire Bratcher family, we are so sorry for your loss. Devin has told us several stories about "Grandpa Buddy". I wish we could have met him. Saying prayers for your family and safe travels for all that come to pay tribute.Deb and Tina (Maggie's patents)
Claudia Bratcher
Fort smith,, AR Wednesday, April 11, 2018 I love you dad,you will forever be in my heart and mind. You lived life to its fullest and enjoyed many adventures that others will never have the chance to take in this life. Thank you for giving me the zest for life, the skills and mindset to make things happen, and a heart that listens, learns and loves. God bless you... your loving daughter, Claudia