On July 1, 2024, Wayne Everett Chapman of Georgetown, Texas passed away while surrounded by his loving family.

Wayne was born to Everett and Maxine Chapman on December 18, 1948 in Ottawa, Kansas. Wayne is survived by his loving wife Janice Chapman (nee Sylvester), sons Alex Chapman and Jonathan Chapman, granddaughters Cassandra Chapman and Madison Chapman, brothers Lawrence Chapman and Dean Chapman, and many nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors.

Wayne was the middle son in a lively household that often resembled a Three Stooges routine, full of jokes and pranks and horseplay but always surrounded by love. In his youth, Wayne could be found riding bikes with his friend Mickey Floyd or camping with his Boy Scout Troop. He met the love of his life, Janice Sylvester, at an evening high school Vacation Bible School at Trinity Methodist Church in August of 1966. Their first date was a trip to Kansas City to see a production of "Oklahoma!" at Starlight theater at the end of that week.

Wayne and Janice married on August 23rd, 1970 in the very church where they had met. In their 54 years together, they traveled the world and shared a love for food, wine, and experiences. They visited 5 continents and many countries, with Wayne’s favorite destinations including the Monastery of Andechs in Germany, his friends’ vineyards in Germany, the F1 track and Melbourne Cricket Grounds in Australia, and cruising through the Panama Canal. Not even a global pandemic could stop Wayne and Janice from celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, as they used Zoom to host three virtual parties attended from around the world. When relaxing at home, Wayne loved to watch old movies or anything on the History Channel.

Wayne proudly served his country, achieving the rank of Sergeant in the United States Air Force. During his service, he was stationed in Alaska, New Mexico, and Texas. He cherished his time with his brothers and sisters in arms in the Sun City chapter of the American Legion, finding joy in attending the Thursday morning breakfast and other events.

After serving his 4 years in the Air Force, Wayne used skills learned in his Grandpa Day’s shop to become a licensed and bonded locksmith. He enjoyed working with his hands and was named the “fastest lock picker in the country” in 1985. Upon leaving the locksmithing world, Wayne continued to help friends and neighbors locked out of their homes or cars.

Wayne was a caring and involved father to his two sons, Alex and Jonathan. He often played the role of “Mr. Mom” as Janice’s career required significant travel, often weeks at a time. He was always there to fix (or build) a bike, drive his sons to Scouts or soccer practice, and ensure everyone was fed. He enjoyed cooking and had the ability to read a recipe and tell if it was going to be good or not. He nurtured a love of the finer things in his boys: an appreciation for Mel Brooks movies, a good arm fart, and a taste for chicken fried steak and meatloaf.

Wayne will be dearly missed by all who knew him, and his family suggests celebrating his life with a toast of German Sekt, Scotch, or homemade moonshine.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Central Texas Chapter of Folds of Honor.

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