William “Bill” Morgan Chapman

My beloved William Morgan Chapman passed away April 28, 2012 in ICU at St. Cloud Hospital. The cause of death was pulmonary fibrosis, with complications of diabetes. William (Bill) was born December 9, 1937 in Delta City, Mississippi to James Fred Chapman, Sr. and Nonni Beatrice (nee Vernell) Chapman. He lived and went to school in New Orleans, Louisiana, Rolling Fork, Mississippi and Biloxi, Mississippi. He served as a ROTC member while in high school and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on August 28, 1958 and proudly served for 23 years. He was stationed at Parris Island, South Carolina, Okinawa, served as a drill instructor at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and Camp Pendleton, California. He also served two and a half tours in Vietnam and was wounded during the last tour. After his recuperation in Pensacola, Florida Navy Hospital, he was transferred to the USMC Military Police Force in Washington, D.C. Here he served as a liaison between civilian and military courts. His final duty tour was on the I & I (Inspector-Instructor) staff at Ft. Snelling, St. Paul, Minnesota. He retired from the USMC in February 1979, with the rank of Master Sergeant. Bill received many awards and Letters of Commendation: Purple Heart Ribbon, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Ribbon, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy-Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal Ribbon, National Defense Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Ribbon, Vietnam Service Ribbon - 4 Stars, and Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Ribbon. He also earned Rife Expert - 6th Award and Pistol Expert - 6th Award. Bill married Barbara Lee Westra of Minneapolis and Nimrod. They were married June 15, 1976 at the Ft. Snelling Chapel in St. Paul. After retirement from the USMC, he returned to school and received an Associate Degree in Accounting. Upon graduation, he co-founded and was president of Shields Security, Inc. This was a security firm that provided uniformed guard services to many firms and organizations in the Twin Cities area. The firm was sold in 1994 and he began his “retirement years." He enjoyed continued travel with Barbara, along with golfing and fishing. He was a former member of the "Star of the North" Marine Corps League, Park Rapids. This group of dedicated former United States Marines provides “Honor Guard” services for all veterans and is involved in many other community projects. "Once a Marine, Always a Marine.” Bill was a loving husband and is survived by his wife, Barbara; sister Edna Mitchell of Sperry, Oklahoma; nieces: Margaret Ann of Biloxi, Mississippi and Margie Faye of Sky Hook, Oklahoma; nephews: Terry, Ron and Jeffery Hill of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Jody Mack of Carriere, Mississippi. Bill's immediate family preceded him in death: his father, J.F. Chapman, Sr., mother Nonni Beatrice Chapman, brother James Fred Chapman, Jr. and sisters Doni May and Verna Beatrice. Bill never wavered in his decision to serve in the United State Marine Corps or in his patriotism to the United States of America. Semper Fidelis. Memorial Services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, May 5, 2012 at Sebeka United Methodist Church, Sebeka, MN with Pastor Steven Koehne officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Honorary Pallbearers included all of his relatives and friends. Star of the North Marine Corps League Detachment # 1109 of Park Rapids, MN will provide Military Honors. Inurnment will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls, MN.