John E. Chapman, Sr., 79, of Earlville, passed away Thursday, January 19, 2023 at Heritage Health, Mendota.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, January 29, 2023 from 1-4 p.m. at the Yorkville Legion, 9054 E. Route 34, Yorkville, Il. 60560 with a military service held at 2 p.m. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is assisting the family.

John was born December 4, 1943 in Aurora to Fred and Ruby (Zinzer) Chapman.

John was a Vietnam Veteran who served his country in the United States Army and spent time in Germany and did a tour in Vietnam. After leaving the Army he went to work for Davey Tree Service and Asplundh Tree Experts where he worked for many years. After leaving Asplundh Tree Experts he worked several years for Karl's Wood Working before retiring. John enjoyed building muscle cars and street rods and had built many cars over the years winning many awards. He loved taking his 1940 Plymouth out to the cruise nights and car shows and also making several trips to the Street Rod Nationals.

John is survived by his son John (Sandra) Chapman, Jr.; his daughter Tamara Chapman Herner; his brothers Leo (Becky) Chapman and Matt (Connie) Chapman and Fred Chapman; grandchildren Ryan Chapman, Ashley Chapman, Michael Pottinger, Tommy Herner and Tyler Herner; great grandchildren Zephyr Pottinger and Blakley Pottinger and a brother in law Carl Fauple.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters Patricia Chapman Swartz and Betty Chapman Fauple.

Memorials may be directed to the donors choice.