William Francis Chapman was born on Easter Sunday, April 20, 1919 to William and Lillian Henn Chapman in Evanston, Illinois. He entered into rest on October 12, 2014 at his rural Northboro home. Since childhood, he resided on the family farm that has been in the Chapman family since 1913. He attended the Northboro High School, played on the basketball and baseball teams, and graduated in 1937. He enjoyed coon hunting and the hounds he owned. He absolutely loved horses and worked with the Rough Riders organization, helping David Flack in parading six team horses.

After graduation Francis started farming, raising grain and livestock and helping his father operate the farm. Francis enjoyed having a herd of Polled Hereford cows, and he also helped the neighbors pick corn by hand at harvest time. He was a very gentle and loving person to all who knew him. Francis lived the good neighbor policy by always providing a helping hand to others.

Francis served in the Marine Corp during World War II from 1945-47. Francis served on the Board of Trustees of the Northboro United Methodist Church, and he was a member of the American Legion Club in Shenandoah.

Preceding Francis in death were his parents, William and Lillian Chapman; uncle Frank Chapman; sister, Phyllis Lauman; and nephew, Kim Schilling.

Survivors include his sister, Helen Schilling; and niece, Pennie Slater and husband John.

There will be a luncheon prior to graveside services starting at 12 o'clock noon on Wednesday at the Northboro Town Hall in Northboro.

In lieu of flowers memorials to Northboro United Methodist Church.