Willard Douglas Chapman

Willard Chapman, 85, passed away peacefully of natural causes at his home the evening of June 5, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. Willard was born in Passamonte, N.M.; following the passing of his mother at age five, he was moved to Kansas to live with relatives. At age 14 he moved to Oregon where he lived most of the next 70 years. Willard served in the U.S. Army from 1952-1954. Following his discharge, he married Carole Hunter of Phoenix, Ore. The Chapman's lived and raised their family on a small farm in the Valley View area outside of Ashland. They recently retired and moved to Talent. Willard was employed by Jackson County Roads Department where he retired in 1992 after 37 years of service. He began his career as a heavy-equipment operator at the Roads Department then transferred to the Parks Department where he helped build local attractions; Howard Prairie, Cantrell-Buckley Park, Emigrant Lake, and Willow Lake Recreation areas, the Expo Center in Central Point, and the Jackson County Sports Park. Willard was promoted to Road Supervisor before his retirement. Besides his years of service to the County, Willard was a local farmer, avid gardener, neighborhood vet, and friend to all. He was a 4-H Beef Club Leader for 12 years. He was loved and adored by all who knew him. Willard is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 62 years, Carole; son, Ron Chapman (JoAnn), Medford; daughters, Glenda Crenshaw, Talent, Linda Craig-Mickelson (Eric), California, and Cyndi Dutenhoefer (Dave), Phoenix; and brothers, Lewis and Eldon Chapman. Willard was much loved by his grandchildren, Jeremy Chapman, Kim Klein, Michael Crenshaw, Sarah and Katie Craig, and Garrick and Kendyl Dutenhoefer. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, June 12, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church of Phoenix, 121 W 2nd St, Phoenix, Ore. where Willard and Carole were members for many years. A potluck reception will follow at the church. Willard knew hunger in his childhood and he did not want others to ever go hungry. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory the Phoenix Food Pantry P.O. Box 390 Phoenix, Ore. 97535. Hillcrest Memorial Park & Mortuary in care of arrangements. www.hillcrestmortuary.com