Wendell E. Chapman

Wendell E. Chapman, 99 of Wilkesville, Ohio, passed away on September 5, 2024 at Abbeyshire Nursing Center in Bidwell, Ohio. He was born August 2, 1925 in Wilkesville to the late Lawrence Chapman and Osee Butcher. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joanne Reynolds Chapman, whom he married on July 3, 1961. Wendell was a WWII veteran, having served as a sergeant in the U.S.Army with Company F, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in the European Theater of Operations, and received the Presidential Unit Citation Award, Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. He was also the recipient of all five (5) campaigns. His unit was the first to arrive in Paris for the liberation of France. At only 18, he showed a tremendous amount of courage and was decorated with several medals for his bravery.His most outstanding award was the Knight of the Legion of Honor medal from the French government, which he received in September 2015. Created by Napoleon, the award is the highest honor that France can bestow upon those persons who have accomplished remarkable deeds for the country. He is part of the " World's Greatest Generation. " He graduated from Wilton High School, Wilkesville, class of 1943, and received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Ohio University in 1958. He was a social studies teacher in the Jackson City Schools for 19 years until his retirement in 1983. He also taught at Wilton High School for 6 years.He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Wellston and a 70 year member of Orphan's Friend Lodge #275 F.&A.M of Wilkesville, and also a member of McArthur Chapter #102, Trowel Council #71 of Jackson, and American Legion Post #476 of Wilkesville. He was an avid craftsman and in his spare time enjoyed making crafts in his workshop. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two cousins, Roger Butcher of Wellston and Ronald Butcher of Wilkesville.  Also surviving is his beloved dog, " Peanut." Family and friends may gather at the Jenkins Funeral Chapel in Wellston on Monday from 2 until 4 P.M. at which time Masonic services will begin at 4 P.M. Funeral services will be Tuesday at 11 A.M. at the First Presbyterian Church of Wellston with John Pelletier CLP officiating. Burial will follow in the Vinton Memorial Park with military services by the Legion Honor Guard. Following the interment, family and friends are invited to the First Presbyterian Church of Wellston Fellowship Hall for a dinner in memory of Wendell E. Chapman. Online condolences may be made at www.samjenkinsfuneralchapel.com