Gary James Chapman Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Gary James Chapman of Lehi, Utah, passed away in his home, surrounded by his wife and children, on June 18, 2019, after a 3 year, hard fought battle with cancer. He was born August 29, 1951 in Provo, Utah to John Howard Chapman and Junetta Jackson, who have preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Kent Grove. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Kelleen Ryan (Danks) Chapman. They were married for time and all eternity on February 10th, 1973 in the Los Angeles Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He believed in and had a testimony of Jesus Christ. He served a mission in the Texas North Mission from Nov. 1970-Nov. 1972, under the leadership and love of Elder Carlos E. Asay, one of his personal heroes. Gary was a man known for his mercy and compassion by those closest to him. He was tall, strong, and intimidating, but only when you first met him. Then, after a lively conversation, you could not help but love him. He was an encouraging force for good in the world. He was 3 years old when his family moved to Garden Grove, California. Gary grew up with a love for learning and working with his hands, which led him to building. He began his journey in construction in high school, working as a welder and ultimately graduating in 1969 from Westminster High School. Then, little by little and experience by experience, Gary gained the knowledge and expertise to become a general contractor. He set and achieved many goals throughout the years and was instrumental in building hundreds of homes. He later learned the finance side of the business and was blessed to excel in the field of construction lending. Most importantly, he built a large and beautiful family, his greatest joy and accomplishment. He and Kelleen brought thirteen amazing children into their family: Ryan and Susan (Miller) Chapman (6 children) of Tucson, Arizona, Hope and Travis Stoddard (3 children) of Escondido, California, Kyle and Amy (Rowe) Chapman (7 children) of Valley Center, California, Trent and Sarah (Peterson) Chapman (5 children) of Lehi, Utah, Sean and Allison (McEwen) Chapman (4.95 children) of Escondido, California, Tory and Orchids (DeLa Cruz) Chapman (4 children) of Escondido, California, Lindsay and Jared Teter (4 children) of Saratoga Springs, Utah, Erynne and Nick Rideout (1 child) of South Jordan, Utah, Todd and Lauren (Le) Chapman (2 children) of Lehi, Utah, Tyler and McKenna (Bakker) Chapman of Lehi, Utah, Travis and Megan (Fullmer) Chapman (1 child coming in September) of Vineyard, Utah, Timothy Chapman, and Kaylee Chapman, both of Lehi, Utah. All nine of his sons are Eagle Scouts and he played a large part in helping them achieve those awards. His daughters were the loves of his life and he had a tender spot in his heart for each of them, as well as for his grandchildren. Gary and Kelleen have been blessed with 36 grandchildren, and two more coming to join the family soon. Additionally, Gary is survived by his siblings: John (Carol) Chapman, Christine Grove, Teresa (Zeno) Pfau, and Keri (Jay) Crone as well as many nieces and nephews. Of the many qualities Gary was known for, he was especially known for his willingness to sacrifice and work hard. He enjoyed including his children in his work. One family tradition was Saturday morning auto detailing together, followed by donuts and milk. His children have all been blessed to inherit his work ethic, many creating businesses of their own, as their father had done. His life experiences included challenge, difficulty and imperfection, yet his life is a tribute to the atoning and enabling power of Jesus Christ as he took accountability for those imperfections and worked to improved himself, with God as his companion. He believed in trying again and again, never accepting defeat. He was strong and courageous in the face of the debilitating and horrific effects of cancer. If you asked him how he was doing he would always say, “Great!”, even though he was in constant pain. We will ever remain faithful and true until we meet again our dear husband, father, and grandfather. Funeral Services for Gary Chapman will be held Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at 11 a.m. 11473 South Chapel View Dr. South Jordan, Utah 84095 with a viewing at 10 a.m. For those who cannot attend the funeral, there will also be a viewing June 25, 6-8 p.m. at the same location. We will also be having a Memorial Service in San Marcos, California on Saturday, July 6, 2019 at 1250 Borden Rd. San Marcos, California 92069 at 1 p.m. We would love all our friends and family near California to come and celebrate his life.

Gary James Chapman

August 29, 1951 - June 18, 2019