Article Photos

MAYVILLE - Robert D. Chapman, 78, of 6655 Moore Road, Mayville, died Sunday (Aug. 9, 2009), in St. Vincent

Health Center in Erie, Pa.

He was born Feb. 2, 1931, in Westfield, the son of the late Ellis and Clara Main Chapman.

Bob retired from Welch Foods in Westfield after 41 years. He also owned and operated the Chautauqua Lake Rock Shop on Moore Road for several years.

He was a member of Hurlbut Memorial Community Church in Chautauqua, Chautauqua County Gem and Mineral Society, and a member of the Civil War re-enactment group. Bob had been a volunteer leader for the Cub Scouts

and Boy Scouts, He helped build the Sea Lion and was the head cannoneer on the Sea Lion. Bob for the past 34 years fired the cannon to start the annual 4th of July parade in Mayville.

Bob was a collector of many things including Indian relics, gems, and minerals.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Hoyt Chapman, whom he married Oct. 11, 1952, in Ripley; one daughter, Diane M. (Charlie) Smith of Mayville; one son, David (Leonora) Chapman of Phoenix, Ariz.; eight grandchildren: Rhonda (Jim) Kester, Betsy Smith, and Jennifer Smith, all of Mayville, Stephen Chapman, Jody Reese, George Chapman, Heather Chapman, and David Chapman, all of the state of Washington; 11 great-grandchildren; and a daughter

in-law, Judy Harwell of Spokane, Wash.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers: George, Marvin, Glenn, and Maurice Chapman; two sisters: Edith Westwood and Ella Ferguson.

The funeral service will be at 3 p.m. Sunday in the Freay Funeral Home, Mayville. The Rev. Dr. Paul Womack will officiate.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday prior to the funeral service at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Chautauqua Fire Department Rescue Squad, Box F, Chautauqua, NY 14722, or the Mayville Fire Department Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 2, Mayville, NY 14757.