Melvin LeRoy Chapman I, 78, stepped from life on this earth into eternity with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2007.
Mel was born in Bellingham on Oct. 9, 1928, to Ray and Billie (Ragan) Chapman.
A longtime resident of Arlington, Wash., he and his wife Winnie were active members at Arlington Assembly of God and celebrated 39 years of marriage last August.
Anyone who new Mel knew that he had three loves in his life. His Lord Jesus Christ, his wife, family and friends and service to the Lord. Over the yeas he participated in more than 18 mission building trips, building churches from as far west as the Fiji Islands to as far east as Mozambique, Africa. Certainly he leaves a legacy that will stand as a testimony to his servants heart.
Mel was proud to serve his country in the United States Navy during WWII.
Mel spent his working life in the boat building industry and as a maintenance supervisor for Northwest Hospital in Seattle and Arlington Assembly of God. Most recently you would have seen him at The Local Scoop doing what he described as chief pie baker and bottle washer.
Mel was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Billie and little sister Aldene.
He is survived by his wife, Winnie; brothers, Russell Chapman (Della), and Glen Chapman (Anita); sister Nadene Simonsen (Adam); children Sharon Rueckert (Tom), Debbie Pfeiffer (Mick), Billie Escherich (Bill). Melvin L. Chapman II (Kathy), Robert Csolti (Kathy), Cathy Csolti, and Dawn Williams (Dennis); 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
His graduation services were held at the Arlington Assembly of God, Saturday, Feb. 24, at 1 p.m. in the afternoon, a reception followed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arlington Assembly of God Missions Building Fund.