John Robert Chapman

John Robert Chapman of Yreka passed away on Feb. 16, 2012. John was born to Wilbur Chapman and Gladys Johnson Chapman on April 1, 1931 in Ashland, Ore. He lived the majority of his life in California and resided in Siskiyou County for almost 30 years. He attended school in Beckworth and Davis Creek in Plumas County, then graduated from high school in Loyalton, Nev., while working on a sheep ranch. He entered the Navy in San Diego, Calif. on Jan. 11, 1951 and served during the Korean Conflict until 1954. He married Katherine Jane Koester on Nov. 22, 1952. They had five children. John worked in the grocery business for 20 years. He also owned and ran John's Janitorial for 11 years. He married Ruth Welch in 1977 and they celebrated their 35th anniversary on Feb. 13, 2012. From 1984 to 1997, they worked in the hospitality industry in San Fransisco. They retired to Yreka in 1997. John loved the Lord and had a close relationship with Jesus Christ. He was a member of The Church in the Park, where he served as treasurer. John was a lifetime member of the Yreka Kiwanis Club and felt strongly about community outreach. He has stated that Yreka was his favorite place to live and was devoted to this community. He enjoyed helping people in need. John served in the local food ministry for three years. He was well known for his tireless love of woodcutting and fishing, spending many happy hours in God’s great outdoors. John enjoyed travel and took several trips to Alaska, Colorado and Texas. He was in Pennsylvania on 9/11/2001. He enjoyed watching football and in recent years, gardening. John had a tremendous sense of humor and loved to hear a good joke. He is survived by his wife Ruth and his brother Virgil Chapman of Yreka. He is also survived by his children Nila Morgan and Dianna Rowedder, both of Anchorage, Alaska; William Chapman of Round Rock, Texas; John Burns of Redding, Calif.; Cathy Clifton of Chico, Calif.; Steve Welch of Sacramento; and Guy Welch of Crescent, Pa.; as well as 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. John was preceded in death by his father and mother; two sons, John Barton Chapman and Michael Cheney Chapman. John did not desire a funeral service. He will be buried at Evergreen Cemetery. Girdner Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.

John Robert Chapman

April 1, 1931 - February 16, 2012