NOCONA- Melvin Chapman, 83, died November 20, 2015.
A visitation was from 6 – 8 p.m Nov. 23 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel. A service was at 2 p.m. Nov. 24 at the Church of Christ in Nocona.
He was born to Chester Reed Chapman (Chap) and Lee Ora Marion Chapman. Chapman attended Gainesville High School and graduated from Sanger High School. He played basketball for Tarleton State University. He then went to Texas Wesleyan College and earned a business degree. He married Zana Lemon on March 30, 1953. During their time together he served in the U.S. Army at El Paso, worked at Justin Boot Company in Fort Worth, Nocona Boot Company and then founded Nocona Belt Company. While in Nocona he taught Sunday school and served as mayor, hospital board member, bank board member and as president of the water board for 10 years. Chapman was on the National Board of the Western Apparel and Equipment Manufacturers Association and was master of ceremonies at the annual awards dinners presenting awards to personalities who helped the western industry. He married Oretha Ann Howard on Feb. 15, 1974. In 1992, upon his retirement, they moved to South Padre Island. He served on the boards of Gladys Porter Zoo, First National Bank and Shriner’s Hospital in Houston. While in South Padre Island he built a church in Mexico and participated in the building process of multiple churches.
He is preceded in death by his wives, Zana and Ann, and granddaughter, Danielle LeBlanc. He is survived by his sisters, Wilma Leach, Gainesville and Marion Allen, Arkansas; children, Melanie Howington, Nocona, Kim Corbin, Mansfield, Stu Chapman,Wichita Falls and Cheryl Reynolds, Sachse; 14 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and one greatgreat grandchild.
Memorials may be donated to Tails ‘N Trails Museum, Nocona. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Jerry Woods Funeral Home, Nocona, TX.