Gerald C. Chapman

Gerald Chapman 87, of Champaign, IL. passed away on Monday October 25, 2021 at Bickford Senior Living in Champaign, IL. He was born in Detroit, MI. on October 29, 1933, the son of Elbert and Alice (Corbett) Chapman.

He is survived by his wife, Sue, daughters, Holly Exton, Kelly (Peter) Simons, son, Christopher (Shelley) Chapman, grandchildren, Sheila (Matthew) Albers, Kirk (Christine) Simons, Alice Simons, Joe (Lisa) Chapman, great grandchildren, Davis, Kalvin, and Vivian Albers, and nieces and nephews, Vicki (Steve) Peaslee, Steve (Patricia) Chapman, and Candra (Mike) Buckner.

Gerald was a member of Faith United Methodist Church in Champaign, proudly serving as the project manager for the Leeds Certified expansion of the church. He enjoyed golfing and was a member of Lincolnshire Fields Country Club. He served on the board of both Faith United and LFCC. He loved boating, water skiing, football, traveling and sweet corn, earning the name “King of Corn”. He was a graduate of Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering. He moved to Champaign as President of Universal Bleacher, later cofounding Security Management Company. Gerald was a devoted husband, married to Sue for 51 years after meeting on a blind date, where they watched the first walk on the moon. They were married on August 14, 1970 in Rockford, MI.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, LTC Richard Chapman (USA), Esther Chrisman and niece, Melissa Moore.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at Faith United Methodist Church 1719 S. Prospect Ave. Champaign, IL. 61820 from 9:30-10:30 with a service to follow. He will be inurned at Faith United Methodist Church.

Please join his family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

Cremation arrangements have been made at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 710 N. Neil Street in Champaign, Illinois

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