Obituary of Eugene Chapman

Eugene Wilson Chapman, 78, died January 29, 2010 following a long illness. He was born in Oklahoma City, OK on March 1, 1931 to Marvin and Nell (Brotherton) Chapman. He graduated from Oklahoma City's Classen High School in 1948, and received a degree in Industrial Psychology from the University of Oklahoma in 1952. While a student at OU, Gene was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He married Barbara McKinnis on August 16, 1952, and then entered into military service in the U.S. Army, serving in the Korean War. Following his discharge, he received a graduate degree in Industrial Psychology from Purdue University. His business career began with Westinghouse Electric. He was also employed by Celanese Corporation, Singer Business Machines, and most recently Baker Hughes. Gene and Barbara were corporate gypsies and made their home in seven states. Their later years were spent in Salt Lake City, UT where Gene was active in community affairs. He was a member of the Salt Lake Exchange Club, Industrial Relations Council, International Visitors Association and Friendship Force of Utah. At the mayor's request, he served as a mediator for the Salt Lake Police Department. He was an active member of Christ United Methodist Church and served as a leader in many capacities. Gene loved animals and supported many of their causes. Though Gene lived away from Oklahoma, he was a proud member of the University of Oklahoma Alumni Association, and was a loyal Sooner sports fan. He was an avid reader and loved to travel. He and Barbara visited 55 countries around the world. The Chapman's moved to Tulsa, OK in 2003. Again, Gene did mediation work under the auspices of the Oklahoma Supreme Court. He was a member of International Visitors Council and served in many leadership roles at Trinity United Methodist Church. He deeply loved his God, his family, and his country. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara; daughters, Leigh Jennings, of Salt Lake City, UT and Lynn Berklacy, of Tulsa, OK, son-in-law, Dr. Steven Berklacy; grandchildren, Amanda Jennings, Lara Jennings, Steven Berklacy II, and Allyson Berklacy and great granddaughter Annika Jennings Stohl. Gene touched many lives with his generosity, constant love and caring. He will also be missed by too many friends to count around the world! A memorial celebration of Gene's life will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3737 S. Peoria on 1:00 pm Saturday, February 13th. Interment at Rose Hill Cemetery, Oklahoma City, OK. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, UT 84741 or Trinity United Methodist Church 3737 S. Peoria, Tulsa, OK 74105. Ninde Brookside Chapel 918-742-5556.