Russell R. “Russ” Chapman
Russell R. “Russ” Chapman died peacefully, surrounded by his daughters, on December 18, 2014. He was born and raised in Colorado Springs. Beginning as an official guide on Pikes Peak when he was young and throughout his 89 years, Russ loved nothing more than introducing others to the beauty of Pikes Peak and this city.
Russ was a retired executive with Martin Marietta and Rockwell International and managed two local radio stations. He graduated from Palmer High School and the University of Colorado and served in the Army Air Corps during World War II.
Mr. Chapman was born in Colorado Springs on July 20, 1925 to Charles Raymond and Grace Spafford Chapman. He was married to Anna Lou Meyer for 35 years, later divorced. He is survived by their three daughters: Kym McClelland of Salt Lake City, Karen Pennell (Mike) of Colorado Springs, Kelly Meyer (Ron) Malibu; and ten grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, C. William Chapman of Denver; and his longtime companion and fellow music lover, Virginia Neely, and her children: Tracy and Mike. Additionally, he is survived by the “Boys of Summer” who were Russ’s friends since grade school and were a huge part of his life until the very day he died.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters: Coralyn Marshall of Rancho Mirage, and Grace Stout of Denver.
More than anything Russ loved his three daughters and was always proud of them and everything that they accomplished. In addition to the love of “his girls”, he loved engineering, inventing a better way to do most anything, gadgetry, magic and all types of music. He always supported and patronized live music and musicians. We are grateful that he was able to enjoy music until the very last minute of his life.
Mr. Chapman was an ardent music and jazz fan and active in local and national jazz clubs and events. He served on the Board of The First United Methodist Church, several Chamber of Commerce committees, and was a member of The Winter Night Club, The Pikes Peak Hill Climb Association and many other civic organizations. He was a member of the Garden of the Gods Club and the Broadmoor Golf Club and served many years on the Board of the Pikes Peak Jazz and Swing Society. He was honored to have once accompanied the AdAmAn Club to the top of Pikes Peak to set off New Year’s Eve fireworks.
There are no words to express our gratitude to the amazing, loving staff and volunteers at Pikes Peak Hospice who showed our Dad such incredible kindness and respect in his final days.
Services will be held at the Garden of the Gods Club, 3320 Mesa Road, on Saturday, January 10, 2015 from 1-3. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Colorado Springs Ecumenical Social Ministries, c/o The First United Methodist Church.