He was a retired Drew County Veterans Service Officer, a United States Navy Veteran and Marine Corps Medical Corpsman and was of the Christian faith. Mr. Chapman was a 32nd degree Master Mason and member of the American Legion and the VFW. He was a 1955 graduate of Drew Central High School and attended Arkansas A&M University (now UAM). He loved music and spent many hours listening to beautiful music on his computer. He was often found accompanying these concerts with a variety of harmonicas. He was a well-accomplished harmonica player and was often asked to perform for friends and family. He was frequently asked to include his famous sour notes during his concert. He was a lover of nature enjoying many outdoor activities. Among those activities, he was best known for loading up the trailer behind the big orange Kubota tractor and taking the riders on an adventure through the woods on an epic exploration.
Survivors include one son, John Chapman and wife Joyce of Houston, AR; one daughter, Valerie Carter and husband Barry of Crossett, AR; two brothers, Gene Chapman and wife Anna of Del Rio, TX and Mike Chapman and wife Jane of Coulterville, IL; two sisters, Wanda Rose Hurt and Gina Sellers and husband Bob all of Petit Jean Mountain; two sisters-in-law, Shirley Chapman of Beulah and Peggy Chapman of Pine Bluff; four grandchildren, Micah Carter and wife Julie of Magnolia, Aaron Chapman and wife Elisa of Greenbrier, Jessica Chapman of Houston, AR and Ryan Carter of Shreveport, LA; four great-grandchildren, Walker Carter, Tatum Carter, Cameron Chapman and Christian Chapman; along with numerous very special cousins, aunts, and extended family.
Special thanks to Drs. Idris and Shaver along with the entire CCU staff of Conway Regional Medical Center.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 2018 at Stephenson-Dearman Chapel. Burial will be in the L.B. Chapman Family Cemetery with Military Honors. Visitation 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home. Memorials preferred to: Beulah Cemetery Assn. c/o Curt Mayo, 321 Ozment Bluff Rd., Wilmar, AR 71675 or VFW & American Legion, Veterans Drive, Monticello, AR 71655. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(19)
linda funderburg
monticello, AR Saturday, May 5, 2018 prayers for the chaoman familymay God hold you close during this sad timeNina Joyce Alzmann
Fayetteville, AR Sunday, April 29, 2018 We were all so sorry to lose Stinson. I think of him as "one of a kind." So knowledgeable about so many interesting subjects. We will miss him.Phillip Freeman
Benton, AR Saturday, April 28, 2018 I remember going to Petit Jean 44 yrs. ago, where my wife's family, who were from that area, would gather annually. It was always so much fun, but what made it special for me, was when I saw Stinson for the first time and he pulled a French harp out and started playing. I played multiple instruments, including some harmonica and had played all over the world and in the process had met and played with some fantastic musician's. At that gathering I met a man who I could put in the category with those fantastic musician's. I have never had the intellect that he had, but he was the type that could find common ground with you and not talk over your head. In 44 yrs. of marriage to my wife, the former Kay Bailey, I never got to meet Stinson more than a handful of times, but each time we met he had a warm smile and a kind greeting. I had a deep appreciation for his knowledge and most especially his willingness to always share that knowledge. I have met his son Johnny on a few occasion's and I can say that the apple doesn't fall very far from the tree. All the Chapmans that I have met are really good people and over the years I've missed going to Miss Verlies and having her "tea cakes" or sugar cookies. John, although I don't know you well, I know the pain that death brings, because over the last couple of years we've lost seven family members. I hope your family finds peace and comfort in the strong faith they have. I believe ya'll are proud to have the legacy that Stinson left. He will truly forever be missed by those who knew him well, as well as those of us who were fortunate enough to share a few happy times with him. I'm deeply saddened by his passing and will miss playing a few tunes with him at family gatherings, but I am especially glad that I had the opportunity to meet a fellow veteran and musician whom I admired very much. Rest in peace, a man I considered to be a great man, because he enriched the world by his presence and always strived to improve his education.Bea Vallejo
Del Rio, TX Saturday, April 28, 2018 God bless each of mr. Chapman's family members in a very special way. Msy his soul rest in the presence of our heavenly Father, in Jesus' name. AmenCarole (Doss) Rushing
Woodlawn, AR Friday, April 27, 2018 Gene and Anna, I can not find words to express to you my deep sorrow at your tremendous loss. Since I remarried and left GreenHill I miss so much. I'm praying that you will lean on the Lord for
your strength, comfort and peace of mind. We know the day will
come when we'll join up with those big fox hunters in Heaven. Until then, you will be in my prayers.
Love, Carole (Doss)
Mary D. Lasiter
Wilmar, AR Friday, April 27, 2018 So very sorry to hear of Mr. Walter's passing. He will be greatly missed. RIP friend.Anna Chapman
Del Rio, TX Friday, April 27, 2018 Stinson was very special. Beaulah will never be the same for us. Every time we went to visit them they made us feel so welcomed both he and Norma. I will miss the ride to the woods in his tractor trailer. How much fun that was to ride through the woods and on to the cemetery to visit and place flowers on our loved ones. We are truly sorry not to be there due to health reasons. We will be there in spirit. Rest in Peace Walter Stinson. We love you. The Chapmans in Del Rio.Gene Chapman
Del Rio, TX Friday, April 27, 2018 Stinson was indeed special, with an unusual intellect. He loved learning, advanced math, and sought out the most difficult crossword puzzles to work with ease. At 9 or 10 years of age, he ordered a harmonica from XERF, Del Rio, Texas with two pages of instructions for $1.50. He climbed up an old oak tree to avoid my pestering, and came down within an hour or so playing anything one could hum. He was our historian, searching out cemeteries, court house deeds to establish a clear history of our heritage. He tried to love all people, looking for the good, but never learned to suffer fools gladly. He will always be number one to me, and I will always be proud to be number two of seven children from special, loving parents. Gene Chapman (brother)Andy Briant
Monticello, AR Friday, April 27, 2018 I knew Mr. Walter from the Veterans' Service Office. He was always very helpful and kind. He was a true Christian gentleman. Sincerest condolences to his family.Teressa Kelly
Monticello, AR Friday, April 27, 2018 Mr. Stinson always had a ready smile. He will be dearly missed in Beulah. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.Mr Jack suber
, TX Friday, April 27, 2018 My Deepest Sympahy to the Family. Sadly Missed here at Transitions.Betty Ollison
Monticello, AR Friday, April 27, 2018 To the family Of Mr Walter. He Was The Kindess patient that we had here at Transitions. He Reminded me of his my paw paw. He Was Just a Gtreat Kind Person. We Here at transitions Will Really Miss Him.So Prayers go out to the Family.Betty ollison At Transitions
EDITH CARTER
Monticello, AR Thursday, April 26, 2018 so sorry to have read about Mr. Walter Passing away---he was a very friendly man & he will be missed by many--I remember when he had the fish diner at Lacey--sure good eating!! always enjoyed talking with him when he came into Babetta's Barber Shop when I would be hanging out there with her. I bet he & Ms. Norma are hashing over old times & current events--may he rest in peace. Good bye Mr. Walter!!!Rachel A Engebrecht
Morrilton, AR Thursday, April 26, 2018 So very sorry for your loss, Gina and Rosie - I can tell you loved him very much.Gina and Bob
Morrilton, AR Thursday, April 26, 2018 I was privileged to have my brother near me for the past two months. We shared so many laughs, good music, memories, prayers, and tears, as well as numerous apples, oranges, and bananas. He filled me in on our Beulah history and I took notes this time. Each and every caregiver he had loved him. He had a way about him and he is unforgettable. He is my inspiration of how to die with dignity and grace, making his own decisions up to the hour of his death. He is gone to join Norma and all his loved ones just the way he wanted. Bob and I will love him and miss him until we meet again. Sending lots of love to John and Valerie and all our loved ones.Carole (Doss) Rushing
Rison, AR Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Walter Chapman was one of Drew County's treasures. He will bemissed by many. Praying God will keep you in his loving care to help you with your loss.
Carole (Doss) Rushing
Janice Gladden Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Wednesday, April 25, 2018 I am so sorry to read about my dear friend's death. Walter was such a fun and caring Christian man who loved his family and friends so very much. You are all in my thoughts and prayers in your loss. May God give you comfort and peace.With love & sympathy,
Janice
Gail Kizer
Dermott, AR Wednesday, April 25, 2018 What a sweetheart Mr. Chapman was. Both of our offices were on the bottom floor of the courthouse and we had an opportunity to have little short visits from time to time. I found Mr. Chapman to be a very intelligent man raised by good people. Most importantly, I found Mr. Chapman to be a very good Christian person. He definitely was a person I could call my Friend.Louise
Moonticello, AR Wednesday, April 25, 2018 I loved my cousin Stinson and loved talking with him. He had a wonderful memory of family heritage and I loved talking about it with him. I will miss him