Douglas W. Chapman

Douglas Wayne Chapman, the son of Paul Lee Chapman and Sylviana Benjamin, was born Aug. 5, 1967, in Newton.

Doug graduated from the Newton Senior High School with the class of 1985. Doug joined the United States Army and became a paratrooper. He was a heavy anti-armor weapons infantryman with the 505th Infantry Regiment. His decorations include the Army Lapel Button, M16 Expert Badge, Army Parachute Badge, Hand Grenade Expert Badge, Army Achievement Medal and the Army Good Conduct Medal. Doug spent several years in Alaska, working on the Alaskan pipeline and working as a chef on tour trains through Alaska. He then moved to Hawaii for a time before returning to Iowa. For the last three years he has worked at the Veterans Hospital in Des Moines serving many veterans in the Community Living Center. He loved his job at the VA and his many friends.

Doug was always ready for an adventure. He rode RAGBRAI for many years and enjoyed fishing and swimming.

Doug died Tuesday, June 14, 2016, at his home. He was 48 years old. Doug was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Those left to honor Doug’s memory include his sister, Sandra Younger; and his nephew, Travis Howerton; all his brothers from another mother and his many friends.

A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 18 at Pence-Reese Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Newton. The family will greet friends from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.