Lawrence Chapman
1919 - 2008

Published in the Bakersfield Californian from 1/13/2008 - 1/14/2008.

Lawrence (Larry) Michael Chapman passed away on January 10, 2008 in the presence of his loving wife of 64 years Alice, sons Robert and Stephen, daughters-in-law Beverly and Linda. He was born on September 12, 1919 in Ventura, California and was the son of Joseph and Mary Chapman.

Larry attended school at Holy Cross. As a child he enjoyed the companionship of siblings Joseph, Mary Johnson, Richard and Margie who are deceased and living siblings Marion Chapman and Ramona Lodl. As a young man in Ventura he was very successful in sports and participated in baseball, basketball and track which lead to a minor league career in baseball in the California-Arizona League. While playing baseball in Bisbee, Arizona he met his wife Alice. They were married on April 26, 1943.

During WW II Larry served in France and Germany and shortly after he returned he began a 38 year career in the oil and gas industry retiring in 1984 from Getty Oil. In retirement Larry enjoyed visiting with children, grand and great grandchildren and friends. Larry loved gardening and travel, with frequent trips to the California Coast and across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

In early 2007 Larry had a great time on a three week trip through China. Larry is survived by his wife Alice; sons Robert of Bakersfield and Stephen of Houston, TX; grandchildren Kenneth Chapman and JoAnne Ortiz of Bakersfield, Jeffery Chapman of Tehachapi, Allison Westbrook of Ojai and Michelle Metz of Oak View; nine great-grand children; two daughters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews. Sorrowfully, son Lawrence William (Larry) Chapman preceded his father in death in 2005.

Visitation will be held at Hopson-Anspach Family Mortuary from 2-8pm on January 14, 2008, with Recitation of the Holy Rosary beginning at 7pm. Mass of a Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on January 15, 2008 at 10am interment will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery-

River Blvd., please sign Lawrence's online guestbook at www.goldenvalleymemorialcare.com. Lawrence Chapman 1919 - 2008 Hopson-Anspach Funeral Mortuary.