705 W. Warren Street | (812) 849-2600 |

Ricky Dee ChapmanPassing: November 16, 2024

Service:

Chastain Funeral Home

Funeral Service

Friday, November 22nd @ 10:30am

Visitation:

Chastain Funeral Home

Thursday, November 21st @ 3:00pm-7:00pm

Cemetery:

Mitchell Cemetery

Friday, November 22nd

MITCHELL – Ricky Dee Chapman, 77, passed away Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Indiana University Health Hospice House.

Born May 22, 1947, in Bedford, he was the son of Lewis and Alberta (Burton) Chapman.  He married Linda Lou Tolbert on May 31, 1998 and she survives.

Ricky was a 1965 graduate of Mitchell High School.  He was very proud of how he excelled in basketball and baseball and was awarded the Oral Dalton Award in 1965.  Ricky was an avid fan of IU basketball and the St. Louis Cardinals.  After school he served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.  Ricky retired from General Motors in 1999 as a fork lift driver after working 34 years.  He was the owner/operator of Quarter Acres Stables where he broke and trained many horses.  He also owned Triple C Tack in Mitchell.  Ricky loved training and showing horses and his daughters and grandchildren have carried on his passion.  He was a hall-of-fame horse show Dad and he always could be found at the Lawrence County 4H Fairgrounds.  Although he became ill, he faced it like he did with life: with humor, grace, strength, dignity, and faith.

Surviving are his wife, Linda Lou Chapman of Mitchell; children, Michelle Chapman Land of Bloomington, Jenny (Chris) Tolbert of Mitchell, Jennifer Edwards of Indianapolis, Joni (Steve) Bodkins of Mitchell, Miranda (Paul) Gillespie of Mitchell, and Morgan (Brian) Duncan of Mitchell; and grandchildren, Max Land, Miles Land, Maggie Land, Alex Brown, Beau Kellams, Vincent Bodkins, Lila Bodkins, Matt King, Isabella Hawkins, Savannah Brock, Brynleigh McKnight, and Rhett Duncan. 

His parents and sister, Sharon Reynolds, preceded him in death.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 22, in the Memorial Chapel of Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center with Brother Rick Leach officiating.  Military rites will be accorded by American Legion Post No. 250 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 9107.  Burial will be at Mitchell Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Thursday and from 9:30 a.m. until the service on Friday at the funeral home.

In honor of Ricky, please wear your IU clothing to the funeral home.

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14 Guest Comments

  1. Guest: Stephaney Dixon Washington | Eaton, Ohio
    Date: November 24, 2024
    Thoughts and prayers for your family. Rick was always such a kind soul and devoted father. Thinking of you all.
  2. Guest: Laura Baker | Mitchell, Indiana
    Date: November 21, 2024
    We are so sorry for you loss! Your family is in our thoughts and prayers! Rita, Laura and Carl
  3. Guest: Gwen Edwards Orman | Bristol, Va
    Date: November 20, 2024
    Dear Linda, I am so sorry to hear that Ricky has passed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Love to you all.
  4. Guest: Chris Mills | Bedford IN
    Date: November 20, 2024
    I’m so very sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Ricky personally but if he was married to you Linda, he had to be a great man! Prayers and hugs for you and your family❤
  5. Guest: Kent King | Mitchell, Ind.
    Date: November 19, 2024
    So sorry Linda and family,Rick and i hunted , rode horses together played basketball and worked together. i say good bye to an Old Huron Beaver and friend.
  6. Guest: Robert Bex | Bedford, Indiana
    Date: November 19, 2024
    RIP Rick.
  7. Guest: Bobby Brown | Venice Florida
    Date: November 18, 2024
    I had the privilege to work at GM for many years with Rick. He was always upbeat and made things bearable when it was hard! My condolences to the family
  8. Guest: Janet noe | Mitchell
    Date: November 18, 2024
    Linda, so sorry to hear this. Bless your heart.❤
  9. Guest: Matt Canfield | Indiana
    Date: November 18, 2024
    Big Ricky was an amazing man and will be greatly missed! Prayers for you and your family.
  10. Guest: Carolyn Braman Riefe | Saginaw, MI
    Date: November 18, 2024
    Dear Linda, I’m so sorry about Rick. You and your family are in my prayers for comfort and peace, I’m sure you have many happy memories and they will comfort you until you meet again.
  11. Guest: Beth Doub | Mitchell, IN
    Date: November 18, 2024
    So very sorry Linda and girls. Rick was a kind man. He sure loved horses and he shared that love with his family. Treasure the many memories. Love and prayers. B and Cary
  12. Guest: Debra Jo Endres-Ard | Lizton, IN USA
    Date: November 18, 2024
    I am sorry and deeply saddened by your tremendous loss. Please know you are being held close in thought and prayer during this painfully difficult time. Sending my heartfelt condolences and many hugs.
  13. Guest: Cindy Miller | Mitchell
    Date: November 18, 2024
    Linda, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers for you and your family during this difficult time. Cindy Miller
  14. Guest: Phyllis Mundy | Mitchell, In
    Date: November 18, 2024
    Linda I’m sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts &prayers. Phyllis & Nobe Mundy