Lee Barton Chapman, age 85, passed away peacefully May 8,2017 in Miles City.
Lee was born February 24,1932 to Lewis and Phyllis (Reynolds) Chapman in Terry. Lee grew up near Big Sheep Mountain in northwestern Prairie County on the ranch his father homesteaded in 1913. He attended school in Terry. Lee enlisted in the Army in 1956 and was stationed at Honzo Ammo Depot in Japan until 1958. Upon his return to Montana, he met and married Helen Drewelow, September 5,1959. They were blessed with two daughters LaJeannea in 1960 and Vadnae in 1963.
Lee spent his life ranching and farming. He was always optimistic despite many hard times. His family was a priority and he always made time for small vacations and fishing. Lee was known for telling stories about the “old timers” who he spent many days with gathering stray horses and trailing cattle on the open ranges of Prairie County.
Lee was proud to serve as Prairie County Commissioner from 1988 to 1994. He also served on the Prairie County Weed, Predator Control and draft Boards.
Lee retired in 2009 and passed the ranch on to his daughter, Vadnae and her husband Bill. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were a great source of pride and joy.
Lee is survived by his wife Helen of 57 years; LaJeannea (Tom) Hietpas and Vadnae (Bill) Greenfield; grandchildren Jessica (Lewis) Boss, Brandon Hietpas, Valerie Greenfield, and great grandchildren Jacqueline and Sterling Boss. Also two siblings Ruth Groen and Jerry (Glenia) Chapman and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Lorraine Doyle, Maxine Svenvold, and Marjorie Beecher; and brothers Charles and Paul.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 12, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Terry. Funeral Services will follow on Friday, May 12, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Prairie County Cemetery with Military Honors. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
A memorial scholarship fund will be set up in his name.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Friday May 12, 2017
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
300 Spring St
Terry, Montana 59349
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday May 12, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
300 Spring Street
Terry, Montana 59349
Interment with Full Military Honors
Friday May 12, 2017
Prairie County Cemetery
Terry, Montana 59349
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Friday May 12, 2017
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
300 Spring St
Terry, Montana 59349
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday May 12, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
300 Spring Street
Terry, Montana 59349
Interment with Full Military Honors
Friday May 12, 2017
Prairie County Cemetery
Terry, Montana 59349
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Delite says
So sorry to hear about Lee. Remember when we’d stay for slumber parties and he always had some funny story or saying or had to get out of the house with so many girls around.
Ally Capps says
My thoughts and prayers are with Helen and the family. I am so sorry to hear of Lee’s passing. He was a wonderful story teller and told very colorful stories, he always made me smile. He will be be missed.
Gary and Cathy (Ban) Kalmback says
Helen, LaJeanna, Vadnae and families,
We are so sorry for your loss, and we hold you in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Mark & Donna Underberg says
We are so sorry to hear of Lee’s passing. He will be remembered and missed by many. I will miss the visits at the mail box. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Mark & Donna.
Jean Brown says
Helen and girls and families
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Lee’s passing. We have drank gallons of tea together and shared so much. Even when he washed my face with snow every day on my way home from school. I didn’t like him much then but what friends we have become. He will be missed…
Janice Kaul says
Helen & girls & families , So sorry to hear about Lee. He will be missed.
Christine Keltner says
I am saddened to hear Lee has passed——-he along with my dear friend Helen were Northside treasures!!! Lee and Chris will be getting the stories told I am sure—–
Nancy Foley says
to the family of Lee Chapman. My family sends their deepest sympathy to you. Our thoughts and prayers goes out to you. John 5:29.
Richard Drewelow Jr. says
Helen and family, our prayers are with you in this time. Just talked to Lee on the phone a month ago. Rachel and I were inquiring about when his grand daughter would be stationed in Hawaii, as we were visiting Hawaii for my niece Alyssa’s wedding. We had a nice chat. Although his body was not in great shape, his mind was still sharp. We talked that we would likely not see him in our lifetime as we live in San Diego.
Dave Harris says
Sorry to hear about Lee passing away. We didn’t learn about it until a day after the service.
Helen, you and Lee were the best neighbors that we have ever had. Thank You and God bless you and
your whole family
Todd Devlin says
Helen and family,
When Lee was a Prairie County Commissioner, they appointed the first County Planning Board which I had the honor of being a part of. There was a lot of foresight in creating that board! Prairie County was the first county in the state of Montana to approve and have a Comprehensive Land Use Plan. This plan brought to light the coordination requirements required by the Bureau of Land Managment (BLM) under the Federal Land Policy Management Act of 1976. Due to those efforts, Prairie County has become a major player in developing Resource Management Plans and such by having “Cooperative Agency Status” with the BLM. Prairie County owes a big thank you to Lee Chapman and his family for Lee’s service to Prairie County. Todd Devlin
Melody Goplen Dewald says
Helen Lajeanna and Vadnae, I am so sorry to hear of Lee’s passing. Lee will be missed as well of his story telling.I can see him sitting at Dad and moms place usually the same bar stool. I bet he enjoyed all those grand kids. Boy the stories being told in heaven now. Hugs to all