John Franklin Dr. Chapman

Dr. John Franklin Chapman passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2013, at Loma Linda University Hospital. He was 93. He was born on October 13, 1919, in Globe, Arizona, to Ernest and Elizabeth Chapman, immigrants from Cornwall, a region in England. During WWII, he served in Panama and later with the 69th Infantry Division in Europe as an infantry cannon corps officer. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his service during the war. After the war, Frank attended the University of Arizona on the GI bill and went to veterinary school at the University of California at Davis. He was part of the second graduating class of the Veterinary School at Davis, earning his DVM in 1953. He practiced veterinary medicine in Redlands and Yucaipa until his retirement in 1984. He established Green Valley Veterinary Clinic in Yucaipa in 1965. Dr. Chapman will be remembered as a kind and capable person. He lived with decency and compassion and was a comfort to all who knew him. Small children and animals were always safe and happy in his care. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Billie; his sister Mildred Grant; his children Gary Chapman, Linda Magness, and Ellen Chapman; his grandchildren Christa Chapman, Scott Chapman, Karin Connor, Jenny Smith, Sam Magness, Will Block, and Tom Block; and two great-grandsons, Eli Chapman and Roan Connor. He is also survived by a great friend and companion, his dog Brandee. There will be a graveside service for family and close friends at Desert Lawn Cemetery in Calimesa at 11am on Saturday, April 27th. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Special Olympics of Southern California at http://www.sosc.org/ or mail in donations to Special Olympics, 1600 Forbes Way, Ste. 200, Long Beach, CA 90810. Family under the care of Emmerson Bartlett Memorial Chapel, Yucaipa, CA. You may send your condolences to www.emmersonbartlett.com