Jerry Leonard Chapman

9/22/1936 – 9/26/2025

Jerry Chapman went on to his eternal reward September 26, 2025, at the age of 89.  He was born on September 22, 1936, to Leonard Chapman and Gladys Brumley Chapman in Wewoka, Oklahoma.  His family moved to Yuma in 1941 where Jerry continued to reside for all but three years for the rest of his life.  He graduated from Yuma High School in 1954, completed 3 semesters at Abilene Christian College, and returned to Yuma to marry the love of his life, Eula Lea Ryan in 1956.  Over the next 7 years they welcomed sons, Randall, Rodney, and daughter Brenda.

In 1964 Jerry began his 20-year career with the City of Yuma Fire Department.  He moved up the ranks, proudly serving his community and retired as a Battalion Chief in 1984.   He was appointed Director of Civil Defense for Yuma County during his last few years with YFD.  In this role, he planned county wide multi-agency training drills, and oversaw the emergency to the challenges of the 1983 Colorado River flooding.

On his days off, Jerry stayed busy. He especially enjoyed building and woodworking.  In 1976 Jerry & Eula bought 10 acres of citrus and set to work building their home along with some help from family and friends.  This home became a hub for family and church gatherings over the years. After his retirement from YFD, Jerry stayed active farming citrus and alfalfa, and eventually scaled back to enjoy retirement, spending summers in the White Mountains of Arizona.

Jerry was known for his kind, positive personality.  He never met a stranger and always left a positive and lasting impression on those he met. He was known for his strong handshakes and great big hugs.  He dearly loved his family, had a big heart to serve others and remained steadfast in his faith throughout his life.   We now celebrate the life he lived and are confident of his reward of eternal life.  The legacy he leaves behind will be carried on by those he touched.

Jerry is survived by son Rodney Chapman, daughter Brenda Everett; grandchildren: Katie Chapman (Seann Verde), Jennifer Richardson (Cory), Jake Chapman (Tina), David Chapman (Deborah), Sarah Fae Chapman, Daniel Chapman (Jessica); 14 great-grandchildren with one on the way, plus bonus grandchild and great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Eula Chapman just before their 65th wedding anniversary, son Randall Chapman, his parents, brothers Clarence, Jackie and Charlie, and sister Juanita.

Services will be held Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 10:00am at Sunset Vista Funeral Home & Cemetery.