Michael Kent Chapman, 88, of Clinton, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, June 15, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 14, 1937, near Shawnee Mound, Missouri, Michael was the son of Kenneth Combs Chapman and Mary Virgina (Langford) Chapman.
He attended Lewis Grade School and graduated from Clinton High School in 1955. On October 15, 1955, Michael was united in marriage to the love of his life, Barbara Mae (Anderson) Chapman. Together they shared nearly 70 years of devoted partnership and were blessed with one daughter, Kathy Lynn, on April 15, 1959.
Michael proudly served six years in the National Guard in Clinton. A lifelong public servant and community leader, he held numerous leadership roles throughout Henry County. These included service on the Farmers Elevator Board, the Henry County S.C.S. Board, Henry County ACSCS, Calhoun School Board, and the Osage Valley Electric Cooperative Board—where he served since 1975 and held the role of president for 11 years. He also contributed to the Henry County Water District #3, the Industrial Development Council Board, and served as president of the Henry County Mutual Insurance Board for 20 years. He was a proud member of the Cattlemen’s Association, the Clinton Elks Lodge, and the Clinton Eagles Aerie #3667. A lifelong member of Drakes Chapel United Methodist Church, Michael’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. He found community, purpose, and comfort within the church’s fellowship and remained dedicated to its mission throughout his life.
Michael found joy in the simple pleasures of life—spending time with his beloved family, especially his great-grandsons, Scotty and Nash. Whether cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, tending to his garden, or sharing laughs on Wednesday nights at the Eagles and Friday evenings at the Elks with his dear friend Richard, Michael’s presence brought warmth and humor wherever he went. He took pride in being the unofficial maintenance man for the family’s storage units—a job he joked about never being paid for—and loved playing Keno, always found at square 109, tickets in hand.
Michael is survived by his daughter Kathy (Chapman) Shoemaker; her longtime partner Chuck Gray; granddaughter Sarah Lynn Wilson and her husband Bill; and great-grandson Scott John Wilson; special family members, Dillon, Brodie, their son Nash Wing, and Charlie Gray.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his cherished wife, Barbara. Michael and Barbara shared a life and love that was truly extraordinary. Born on the same day of the same year, Barbara often joked that they were “twins,” destined to walk through life side by side. Their journey together began at a pie social when they were just 14 years old — a simple meeting that sparked a lifelong bond. From that day forward, their hearts were intertwined in a partnership filled with devotion, laughter, and unwavering love. Michael’s legacy is one of commitment—to family, to community, and to a life lived with heart and integrity. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Memorial services will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 26, 2025 at the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton. Pastor Margie Briggs will officiate. Private family burial will be at a later date in the Drake’s Chapel Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Drake’s Chapel United Methodist Church or the Drake’s Chapel Cemetery, and these donations may be left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left online at www.bradleyhadley.com
