Obituary: Aaron Rendall Chapman

Aaron Rendall Chapman, Jr., age 79, passed away at his home in Ashland, Missouri on September 30, 2024.

Born July 2, 1945 in Carbondale, Illinois to Randall and Dorothy Chapman, he graduated from Carbondale Community High School in 1963.

On April 7, 1965, he married the love of his life and best friend, Barbara Young. From this union were born two cherished daughters: Rhonda and Kerry.

Aaron began his career at the Missouri Department of Mental Health in both Farmington and Columbia, Missouri. He moved to the Missouri Department of Conservation in Jefferson City where he retired as Fiscal Director in 1999. He continued his work in conservation as a consultant for the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, post retirement.

He was an adjunct professor of accounting at Mineral Area College, Park Hills, Missouri, and hospital management at University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, he owned and personally managed numerous rental properties and storage facilities throughout his life.

His passion for restoring classic cars, going to swap meets and a good yard sale – buying AND selling will forever be remembered.  He was an active member of the Old Wheels Collector Car Club in Columbia.

He was a man of faith, with an immense sense of humor, strong work ethic and wisdom and cherished every moment with his friends and family.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara Chapman of Ashland, Missouri; daughters Rhonda (Troy) Fehr of Fulton, Missouri and Kerry Chapman of Ashland, Missouri; sisters Renda (Ron) Chase of Waterloo, Illinois and Jane (Andy) Compton of San Antonio, Florida; as well as many beloved extended family members and friends.

Those who knew Aaron know he hated being fussed over. In lieu of traditional funeral services, the family is planning a celebration of his life at a later date, to be determined, to honor his memory.