Ralph “Lee” Chapman

Lee was born to Sandra Louise Bucher and Ralph Lee Chapman on July 25, 1966 in Kokomo, IN. He took last and final breath on July 3, 2013 in St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix, AZ. Lee  resided in Phoenix for the last 10 years. Always a Renaissance man, Lee’s charm, style, compassion and love will be greatly missed by so many family members and friends.

Lee graduated from Ohio State University with a BS in English with a concentration in Film. He also studied real estate at the Columbus State Community College, and was working toward his Master degree from Ottawa University. Lee loved reading, shopping, sewing and playing games with family and friends. Lee’s favorite quote was “The least that you can do in your life is to know what you hope for. The most that you can do is live inside that hope, running down it’s hallways touching the walls on both sides.” – Barbara Kingsolver, Lee’s favorite author.

Lee is survived by his partner Andy Pedersen, Phoenix; mother Sandra Chapman, Phoenix; mother Karen Gamache, Kokomo, IN; sister Renee Shanks, Fort Wayne, IN; sister April Deich and brother-in-law Jerry Deich, Kokomo; and sister Starr Chapman, Phoenix. He is also survived by God daughter Kura Marie Rapphun, Kokomo; 6 nephews: Matt Davis, FL; Christian and Dereck Rapphun, Kokomo; Zachary Pittman, Kokomo; Dominick, Germany; and Kevin Deich, Kokomo; 7 nieces: Amber Hole, Kokomo; Kayla Shanks, Peru, IN; Katelyn Shanks, Frankfurt, IN; Stacy Bitner, Kokomo; Melanie Busch, Germany, Lindsey Deich, KY, and Antonia “Toni” Pond, Phoenix. Lee also had many cousins, great nephews and great nieces in IN and FL.

Lee is preceded in death by sister Dawn Ward of Kokomo and nephew Jeremy Shelby of Kokomo. Lee was loved by many and will be dearly missed. In lieu of flowers, we would love contributions to be made in loving memory of Lee Chapman to “Live Out Loud.” Donations can be made online at

http://www.liveoutloud.info/wp/donate/#paypal

. Please remember to note that the donation is in Loving Memory of R. Lee Chapman.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, July 14 at 2 p.m at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home-4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018. All are welcome.