Billie J. Chapman

Billie Joe Chapman, 93, resident of rural Middletown, passed away on November 22, 2024 at his residence surrounded by his four children. He was born in Middletown on March 9, 1931, the son of Rufus Lowell and Thelma (Brown) Chapman. He was a 1949 graduate of Sulphur Springs High School. He married his beloved wife, Janet Ritchie, on September 3, 1950. They were married for 67 years. Bill was a member of the United States Air Force and served overseas during the Korean War. He was a retired local farmer and a bus driver for Shenandoah School Corporation. 

He was a lifetime member of the Upper Fall Creek Church of the Brethren, where he served as a church and cemetery trustee. He was a charter member of the Sulphur Springs Lion Club and served as Secretary for many years. Bill dearly loved and enjoyed his family. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and his faithful dog, Annie. A favorite pastime of Bill’s was spending time watching his family farm, eating meals at the Iron Kettle Restaurant with friends, and driving his John Deere Gator. 

He was preceeded in death by his parents, his wife, one brother, Jerry Chapman, two sisters, Joyce Ambs and Nancy Cook, and a granddaughter, Sarah Chapman. 

Bill is survived by his children, Tim Chapman (Brenda) of Middletown, Tricia Yost (Terry) of Middletown, Dawn Neal (Ray) of Middletown, and J.B. Chapman (Paula) of Middletown. Survivors also include 10 grandchildren: Matthew (Brianna) Chapman, Jacob (Hannah) Chapman, Kylee (Andrew) Eller, Chris (Abbie) Fellers, Heather (Mark) Hertzberg, Alicia (Daniel) Hanson, Evan Neal, Miranda (Chase) Heinold, Megan (Devon) Nave, and Daniel (Jesseca) Chapman, along with 19 great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, one sister, Sue Melton, and two sisters-in-law, Debbie Chapman and Judith Ritchie. 

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at 11:00 am at Ballard and Sons Funeral Home, 118 South 5th, Middletown, with Pastors C.J. Buskirk and Doug Hinton officiating. Burial will follow with military rites in Miller Cemetery, Middletown. The visitation will be on Tuesday November 26, 2024 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to The Upper Fall Creek Church of the Brethren P.O. Box 214, Middletown, IN. 47356.

You may express a condolence or share a memory of Bill at www.ballardandsons.com.