Larry Chapman

Larry Chapman Obituary

Larry Chapman passed away on Friday, January 15th from COVID-related pneumonia. He was born April 13, 1944 to Burl and Fern Chapman. He grew up in Taft, California graduating from Taft Union High School. One Sunday, he met Jean Taxdahl at church. She was the pastor’s daughter; he was the deacon’s son. They fell in love and married in 1965. Larry lived a full life! Over his lifetime, he was a teacher, a business man, an administrator and pastor, friend, and mentor to many. He lived life with excellence in everything he undertook. He loved and served God with his whole heart and being.
It could be said of his life: “He accomplished very much . . . by saving the odds and ends of time . . . He was exact in all his dealing – an honest man, a Christian. His was a complete life. He finished his work.” (David McCullough).
His years of ministry concluded by serving for over 17 years as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Southern California District of the Assemblies of God. Larry was meticulous in every detail and aspect of his life. He lived an authentic life marked by faith, uncompromising integrity, humility, compassion, love and godliness. He loved deeply and was deeply loved as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and pastor. Larry has gone on to Heaven and has left his family a legacy of faithfulness and steadfastness.
He was met by His Lord and Savior with the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:23).
He is preceded in death by his son David. Surviving Larry are his wife, Jean, his son Scott and his two children; daughter, Annie and husband, Clarke, and their two daughters; and his brother Ron (Sheryl). Also grieving his absence are brothers- and sisters-in-law, Dennis and Joan Horack, Don and June Hardcastle, John and Debbie Taxdahl, and David and Joanie Alderette as well as numerous nieces and nephews and cousins. Graveside service will be private with a public Celebration of Larry’s Life to be planned in a few weeks.
Kern River Family Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.
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