Charles (Charlie) Duane Chapman, 86, of Wooster departed this earth December 6, 2022 in the home of his loving daughter Jamie.
He was born August 29, 1936 to Robert and Mary (Funk) Chapman in Wayne County, OH.
He married Jeannie Weirick on June 6, 1969. She survives.
Charles was a shepherd and farmer at heart. He was in FFA as a young man while attending Chester High School and found his way back to that passion when his daughters were old enough to participate in 4-H. He took a lot of pride in raising Hampshire lambs and showing them at the Wayne County fair. Summers at the Chapman home were an endless bounty of delicious vegetables from his garden. His career path was a varied one –after serving in the Air Force, he joined the Wooster Brush Company where he met his wife. Along the way he changed paths and ended up in management at ADS before making the leap to try farming as a career. Charlie also raised and sold Christmas trees for many years in Wooster – teaching most of the Weirick offspring, as well as his own, how to grow, shear and harvest and sell all types of pine trees. Chapman trees were shipped all over the east coast bringing a festive holiday to thousands of homes. He eventually returned to tree work later in his life and retired from The Davey Tree Company.
Charlie was not a traditionally religious man, he took solace in his time spent tending the earth and sowing seeds. He once said; “I don’t need to go to church to find God – he is all around me when I am in the fields.” We are left with gratitude for his legacy – his humor, the many skills that were shared, the work ethic, the appreciation of the amazing cycle of life we are all a part of.
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant” -Robert Louis Stevenson
Charlie would want each of us to plant some seeds and to teach the next generations to do that as well.
Charlie is survived by his daughters Julie (Jason) Chmiel of Kentucky, and Jamie (Chad) Bickett of Wooster and his brother Thomas. He leaves behind 5 grandchildren: Kaitlin (Christopher) Pike of Portland, OR , Lily Bickett, Charlie Bickett and Grady Bickett of Wooster, and Megan Chmiel of Kentucky, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and, most recently, his sister-in-law Jeanne (Tom) Chapman.
There will be no public services. The family will hold a private event at a later date.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Contributions may be made in his honor to: Wayne County Children’s Services, 2534 Burbank Rd., Wooster, OH 44691, or by calling (330) 345-5340.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
The Billheimer and Phelps families send our condolences and prayers. We were so sorry to hear cousin Charles has passed but know he is rejoicing in heaven with his parents in no pain. Remember all the good times you had with Charles and know he is watching over all his family still here on earth and awaiting for the reunion someday. Love always cousin Sue Phelps
Uncle Charlie is certainly at peace in heaven, welcomed by the family that has gone before him, and joyfully strolling the fields with his beloved dog.
Yes, I too had the privilege to work at the tree farm with Uncle Charlie, Aunt Jeannie, and my mother Cheryl Weirick Bash, learning how to properly bale the trees for shipping so not to break the leader or destroy the branches and the difference in caring for balled trees that could be replanted outside. These important lessons would transfer to the selling lot during November and December, which were always fun and a magical winter wonderland. Uncle Charlie shared his warm smile as he taught us about the different types of trees and the specific details relating to their growth & care, as well as respect for the soil and it’s long-term nutrients.
The tree lot was a full winter experience with glistening snow making the trees sparkle, the fresh scent of relaxing pine, and that each person and/or family that came to select a tree would be given a holiday memory as Uncle Charlie’s passion would naturally provide them with a delightful experience for that one and only perfect tree.
One Christmas Eve when we were finished selling, Uncle Charlie quietly selected the most perfect, well-rounded, straight tree for one of our Great (Great) Aunt & Uncle who could not get out to get a tree. He took the tree in town to another Uncle’s home, who lived on the same road, where we decorated it, loaded into the back of a station wagon, and in a caravan fashion surprised them with caroling outside their door. He gave this loving gift, without any need for recognition, and we were each rewarded by it’s radiance and the joy it made everyone feel.
We are lifting you Jamie & Julie, and your families, up in prayer, healing, and peacefulness within your heart for the love of your Dad; and we will be honored to plant some seeds in loving memory of him and continually discover the beauty of the earth he was dedicated to and that he felt one within. We love you!
Uncle Charles possessed a warm, quiet, gentle spirit of strength and I always felt welcomed by his smile that melted my heart.
My sisters and I looked forward to spending family time with Charles and his family. And we were glad for the opportunities to work alongside him at his tree farm.
My own family was among the many families blessed by Charles’ generous heart.
He gifted us fresh evergreen trees for Christmas over the years and I can still recall the scent of pine filling our home with goodness during the holidays.
Uncle Charles leaves a legacy with his two loving daughters and accomplished grandchildren.
My heart grieves with this precious family during this season of sorrow; however, I pray that God will surround them with His love, mercy and goodness.
The memories shared of my Uncle Charles have been a blessing to know of some of the many seeds he has lovingly planted. I’m especially thinking of his children and grandchildren and asking God, our Good Shepherd, to tenderly care for each of their grieving hearts. I also loved my Uncle’s caring smile! I also had the privilege to be tutored in Christmas tree care. We lived so close to his tree farm that our family would cut the tree and drag it home every Christmas as a gift from his family to ours! He was taught well by his mother to show the sacrifical love of Jesus. Since Jesus paid our debt of sin and we can ask His forgiveness of our sins, all of us who have asked for that can live forever with our Savior. May we all find hope in knowing we will see those loved ones again.
Thoughts and Prayers for the entire Chapman family.