Clyde R. Chapman, a lifelong Hood River, Oregon resident, died unexpectedly June 25, 2008.
Graveside Rites with Military Honors will be held 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 1st, 2008 at Pine Grove Butte Cemetery. Family friend and Pastor Dale Royce will officiate. Viewing is scheduled for Monday, June 30th at Anderson's Tribute Center from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Clyde was born April 24, 1932 in Hood River, Oregon to Al and Mary (Day) Chapman, The eldest of three children. He was raised in Hood River, the family spending time also in Milton Freewater, Medford & Aloha, Oregon. He graduated from Hood River Valley High School in 1951. Just before his graduation at a family picnic, Clyde’s Aunt Glendella introduced him to the love of his life, Joan Clyde Johnson.
He enlisted in the U.S. Navy after graduation and He and Joan were married on March 30th, 1952 just after he completed boot camp. During his military service Clyde was stationed stateside in Bremerton Washington & San Diego California. While at Sea Clyde served on a naval repair ship and on a destroyer escort ship. He also served his country over seas in Japan and in Korea during the Korean War. Clyde served in the U.S. Navy proudly from 1951 to 1955, achieving a non commissioned officer status of Petty Officer 3rd Class.
He and Joan were blessed with two boys, Steve in 1953 and Kevin in 1959. The family made their home in Hood River where Clyde worked as a mechanic for Garabrandt’s Chevrolet, Buyer’s Pontiac & Hood River Ford. A new job working for Damerow Ford as a parts man moved the young family to Beaverton Oregon for a short time. They returned home to the valley after a few years where Clyde worked for Herring Chevrolet, the Hood River School District and Diamond Fruit Company. At Diamond he worked as a Fresh Fruit Mechanic until his retirement in 1994 at the age of 62.
In his spare time Clyde enjoyed reading, gardening, fishing, camping and traveling. He loved the outdoors and was most passionate about spending time with family & friends. Clyde was an honest and conservative man. His sense of humor was mischievous, his smile was warm and kind, his opinion staunch and respected. He was a very proud father and patriotic American. He was dearly loved and he will be dearly missed.
Clyde was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joan Chapman of Hood River, brother & sister; Don Chapman & Donna Mooney, both of Madras, Oregon, his two sons; Steve Chapman and his wife Zoe of Vancouver, Washington; Kevin Chapman and his wife Pamela of Hood River, Oregon, his four grandchildren; Shane, Melinda, Brittany & Joshua, his six great grandchildren, Garrett, Haley, Hannah, Samantha, Melyssa & Allysandra, distant family and many, many friends that he and Joan had collected over the years.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, OR 97031. Please visit our website to view and print the obituary and sign the guest book for family. www.andersonstributecenter.com