Charles E. Chapman, 80, of Wadsworth passed away on Sunday, December 12, 2010. He was born September 4, 1930, in Barberton to the late Evron and Florence Chapman. Mr. Chapman received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from Kent State University. He started teaching 5th grade in Norton and was then drafted into the U.S. Army. After serving his country he began teaching in Wadsworth. After completing his Masters degree he became an elementary school principal in Medina and Brunswick and later came back to Wadsworth until his retirement in 1983. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church where he served on the Church Council and sang in the choir. His beautiful voice will be greatly missed. As a servant and leader he affected the lives of everyone he touched. He was an innovator in education. He was instrumental in many programs including starting FISH, he was the current president of Meals on Wheels, past president of The Isaac Walton League, and the Medina County Retired Teachers' Association. He was a member of O.E.A., Shade Tree Commission, Wadsworth Deer Hunters and president of the Norton Class of 1948. In addition to being the most wonderful husband and father, he enjoyed his family as well as hunting, fishing, camping and growing roses. Mr. Chapman was preceded in death by son, Robert Chapman and brother Kenneth Chapman. Charles is survived by his wife Marilyn (Seiberling) with whom he celebrated 59 years of marriage on April 22, 2010. He is also survived by son, Thomas Chapman, daughter and son-in-law, Revs. Nancy and Thomas Smith of Georgetown, KY, his grandchildren Derek Smith, Nicole Smith, Elizabeth (Robert) Weidman, Bryan Chapman, Timothy Chapman and one great grand-daughter Madison Weidman. There are many nieces and nephews also surviving. The family will receive friends 3-7 PM Thursday at the Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home, 174 N. Lyman Street, Wadsworth. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 PM Friday at Grace Lutheran Church, 146 High Street, Wadsworth with Rev. Daniel Cammarn officiating. Interment will be in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.
Memorial donations may be made to Grace Lutheran Church Window Restoration Fund.