NORMAN — Fred B. Chapman, 98, passed away Friday, Jan. 13, 2012 in Norman. He was born Jan. 29, 1913 in Sheboygan Falls, Wis. to Charles George and Bronzie Ann (Horton) Chapman. Fred was united in marriage on May 26, 1956 in Stafford, Texas to Violet Flowers.
Fred began his career in the electric business in 1938 when he started with Caddo Electric in Binger. While working at Caddo Electric, Fred and a few others sold the idea of bringing electricity to rural Oklahoma. This was the beginning of Oklahoma Electric Co-op where Fred was one of the pioneer’s. Fred worked for OEC and was proud to share he was the oldest OEC retiree, retiring in 1963. He also operated Chapman’s Radio and Electric in Binger with his brother, George. He became a Norman Business Owner in 1965 when he started Chapman Electric.
Fred was a member of the Ham Radio Club, “No Name Net.” He enjoyed fishing and camping at Lake Texoma, gardening (tomatoes and roses) and tinkering around the house. He never had idle hands. He was Mr. Fix-it.
Fred is survived by two sons, Bill Chapman and his wife Georgiana of Norman; Freddie Chapman and his wife Elaine of Norman; one daughter, Joyce Collins and her husband Bob of Norman; three step-sons, Claude Morris of Marlow, Allen Morris of Washington state, Phil Morris and his wife Linda of Orlando, Fla.; six grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and six great great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles G. Chapman and Bronzie Ann Horton; wife, Violet; one sister, Edith Rex; one brother, George Chapman; one daughter, Mary Lou Morris and one son, Ray Chapman.
Visitation will be 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Havenbrook Funeral Home, 3401 Havenbrook St., Norman.
Graveside services will be 2 p.m., Monday at Resthaven Memory Garden, 500 S W 104, Oklahoma City.
Arrangements for Fred and his family were placed in the care of the Vice Family at Havenbrook Funeral Home of Norman. Online condolences may be shared at www.havenbrookfuneralhome.com
Norman Transcript, Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012
