Chapman, Robert K.

Robert K. Chapman, 87, of 2030 Vista Circle NW, Cedar Rapids, died Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009, at West Ridge Care Center. There will be no visitation or services. Teahen Funeral Home is serving the family. 

Robert is survived by daughter, Maridee Schumacher of Greensboro, N.C.; son, Randy (Nancy) Wilkey of Concord, Calif.; five grandchildren, Leah Hupp, Christina Cason, Trevor, Thadd and Sean Wilkey; sister, Cheyenne Chapman, and niece, Liandra Chapman, of Portland, Ore.; brother, William (Helen) of Beverly Hills, Mich., and their children, Bruce, David, Nancy and Janet.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Dee; son, David Wilkey; his parents and stepmother, Hazel Chapman.

Bob was born Jan. 19, 1922, in LuVerne, Iowa, to Irvin and Georgia Kabele Chapman. Bob married Dee Wilkey on Feb. 16, 1963, in Galesburg, Ill. He retired from Rockwell Collins in 1987 after 36 years of service.

Bob served in the United States Army in a Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion in the South Pacific in tactical locations from Sydney to Manila. He enjoyed several reunions in New Guinea with his father, who was a tail gunner in the Jolly Roger B-24 bomber group.

Bob graduated from the University of Iowa in 1955 while working at Collins Radio. He was a member of BPOE, SAR, Sigma Delta Chi and a former member of the American Legion, VFW, AMVETS and a charter member of the Turtle Club.

Bob enjoyed traveling with Dee, with each trip an adventure. He enjoyed golf, softball, reading and time with friends and family. Through Dee, his family was his pride, joy and anchor. 

Instead of flowers, memorials and cards may be sent to Leah Hupp, 16005 27th Ave N., Plymouth, MN 55447.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at