Earl Harry Chapman passed away on December 27, 2019 at the age of 94, surrounded by his family. He was born on May 4, 1925 in South Salt Lake to Harry Earl Chapman and Ruth Farnsworth. Earl married the love of his life, Dorothy Lenore Cassell Chapman on July 23, 1971 at the Skaggs Memorial Baptist Church in Salt Lake City.
Earl attended West High School and after graduating in 1943 he enlisted in the United States Navy to serve during World War II. After completing Navy basic training Earl attended the 22 month Aviation Mechanic-Program through the US Navy Air Corp School to become a Radio andRadarman on the PBM Mariner Aircraft. Earl flew on patrol missions over the Pacific and was stationed in Saipan and Okinawa, Japan.
Earl was a member of Patrol Bombing Squadron, VP-26, a unit of the Third Fleet, United States Navy. His squadron entered Tokyo Bay for the purpose of accepting the surrender of the Imperial Japanese Government and assisted in the subsequent occupation. His unit was the first squadron to operate from Tokyo Bay, under Admiral W.H. Halsey, U. S. Navy Commander of the Third Fleet. Earl was proud to show off his ability to remember Morse Code after more than 70 years.
Earl was a Bus Operator for Salt Lake City Lines while attending the University of Utah for his accounting degree, and later obtained his MBA from Henager School of Business in 1955.
Mayor J. Bracken Lee asked Earl to set up Utah Transit Authority to protect the worker's rights. Earl was appointed to be the first board member of UTA.
After finishing business school, Earl went into the appliance business and was the owner of Kerrybrook Appliance. Earl retired and sold his store to Dan of Dan's Maytag in Sugarhouse and continued to work for Dan as a consultant until he was 81 years old. Earl then officially retired.
Earl followed the Utah Jazz and was a season ticket holder for many years. He was a member of the University of Utah Crimson Club and held season tickets to the University of Utah football, basketball, and gymnastics. He loved taking his children and grandchildren with him to sporting events and was proud to make them Ute fans.
Earl traveled the world with Dorothy and liked to tell of his journeys and share the many photographs he took. He enjoyed many outdoor activities with his family and Earl relished in taking his children and grandchildren out for ice cream as well as adventures to Lagoon.
Earl was an avid gardener and anyone who visited his home would have to take a walk through his meticulous gardens. Earl was admired for his green thumb, patience, and gardening knowledge.
He enjoyed photography and captured many special moments of his friends and family. Before a picture was taken instead of, "Say Cheese." Earl would always say, "Say sh*t!" to get a smile.
His ability to remember and tell jokes was matched by none and every time after telling a joke he would laugh as though he'd just heard that joke for the first time. He was a perpetual teaser especially towards his grandchildren. Earl would share his political views with anyone and everyone, often to get a rise out of them.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Dorothy Chapman, son Stephen Chapman, Daughter-in-Law Margo Chapman, stepdaughters Kathy Bagely, Stacey Springman, Tanya Beal, stepsons, Spencer Springman and Jay Springman. Earl is also survived by, 17 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parent's Harryand Ruth Chapman, siblings- Kittie Chapman, Ruth Chapman Brewer, Arthur (Mickey) Chapman, Charles Chapman, sons, Brent Chapman and Scott Chapman and granddaughter Natalie Chapman Atkinson.
\"Special thanks to CNS hospice staff; nurse Susan, Doug and Matt. They all took such great care of Earl.\"
A viewing will be held January 9, 2020 from. 11:00 am- 1:00pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd. Sandy, UT. Graveside service will follow from 1:00pm-2:00 pm. Luncheon to be held at Margo Chapman's house after the graveside service.
