Duane J. Chapman

Duane J. Chapman, age 72, lifelong Livingston resident, passed away Thursday, December 5, 2013 at the Billings Clinic Hospital. A viewing was held Tuesday, December 10, at Franzen-Davis from Noon-2pm, which will be followed by a Gathering of Friends and Family at the Livingston Christian Center from 2pm-4pm. A graveside committal service and burial will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, July 12, 2014, at the Clyde Park Cemetery with Chaplain Sandy Williams officiating. Please join the Chapman family following the graveside service for a gathering of friends and family at the Chapman Family Ranch (667 Lower Cottonwood Road, Clyde Park). Duane was born on October 9, 1941, in Livingston, Montana. He was the son of Harley and Ruth (Evans) Chapman. He received his education in Livingston and was a graduate of the Park County High School Class of 1959. Duane was a star track athlete achieving State Champion high jumper in 1958 and competing with the State Champion team in 1959. On October 30, 1960, Duane was united in marriage to Margery Hunter, at the Methodist Church in Clyde Park. Following their marriage Duane and Marge made their home on N. F Street, just up the street where Duane was raised. This marriage was blessed with two children, Joe and Guy. They shared 53 years of marriage. Duane was employed at Northern Pacific as an electrician beginning in 1960 and retired in 1986. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Electricians, the B.N. Snow Goers, and Park County Concerned Citizens. Duane enjoyed his volunteer work with the Livingston Fire Department during the 1970's followed by serving six years as a City Councilman. He participated with the Boy Scouts dirt bike club, and coached woman's softball. Duane was a man of many talents. He was an especially gifted woodworker making frames, cabinets, toy boxes and doll houses. He enjoyed hunting and spending time in the Crazy Mountains with family, and fishing the Yellowstone as well as the many mountain lakes around Park County. In his retirement, Duane enjoyed many hours on the golf course. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends. We will miss Duane wearing his shorts no matter what the weather, him cruising in his truck, and for his gift of gab. Duane is survived by his: Wife, Margery Chapman of Livingston. Sons, Duane "Joe" Chapman Jr. and his wife Lori of Livingston, MT and Guy Chapman and his wife Sharon of Salem, WI. Grandchildren, Cory and Meagan Chapman and Heather and Nicole Chapman. Sisters-in-law and Brother-in-law, Carol Woodley of Livingston, MT, Mary Karrel and her husband Dan of Livingston, MT, Tom Hunter and his wife Mary Jean of Solen, ND, Suzane Walker and her husband Roger of Hemingford, NE. Nieces, nephews, cousins and many other relatives and friends. Duane is preceded in death by his Parents, Harley and Ruth Chapman, Father-in-law and Mother-in-law Tom and Betty Hunter and a Brother, William Chapman. Memorials preferred to Livingston Food Pantry.112 N M St, Livingston, Mt 59047 Arrangements are under the direction of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory.