Raymond Chapen

   Raymond Allen Chapen passed away peacefully on December 25, 2023 with his wife, Susan at his side, in Topeka, Kansas at the age of 75 after a short battle with cancer.  He was born on March 29, 1948 in Wallace, Idaho to Francis Ellis and Clara Dean (Shepherd) Chapen. He spent his earlier years growing up in Northern Idaho. Raymond is survived by his wife Susan, children and grandchildren.

    His family moved to Oregon in 1960 where he remained until 2021, working and raising his family.  He was married to Sherri Delene Bailey Weiszbrod from October 7, 1967 to December 1995, and together they raised five children; Tammy Bromley (grandchildren: Clarissa, Andrew (Sidnee) (great grandchild: Jackson), Gabriel and Evan, Kimberly Chapen Haggerty (grandchildren: Kathleen, Casher Dylan and Caroline), Rebecca Chapen (grandchildren: Skylar and Oceana (and great grandchild Kyrie due to be born in January 2024), Tim Chapen (Mandi) (grandchildren: Isaiah, Olivia and Amelia), and Ryan Chapen.

    Raymond enlisted in the US Coast Guard on July 24, 1967. During his four year enlistment he served at duty stations in Port Townsend, WA, Brookings, OR and Newport, OR.  He graduated Engineman “A” school 670 in Yorktown, VA and achieved the rank of E4. After his Honorable Discharge from the USCG, he settled with his family in Springfield, OR and worked at Pape Brothers Caterpillar as a painter, Roseboro and Weyerhaeuser Lumber Companies in various capacities and Dutch Bros Coffee as a distribution warehouse delivery driver.

    On June 23, 1998 Raymond married Susan Wayman and became a stepfather to Ariana Jordan and Destiny Henderson.  After retirement Ray and Susan made the move from Springfield, Oregon to McFarland, Kansas where they have enjoyed gardening, fishing, thrifting, fellowshipping with their church family and spreading the news of Jesus Christ.  They spent 25 wonderful years of marriage until he passed on to the arms of Jesus.

    Before his passing, Raymond requested a Celebration of Life in the Present. On December 19, 2023, friends and family gathered in person and via Zoom to celebrate the man whose signature phrase was “Praise the Lord!” Raymond laid hands on each person, imparting a blessing and words of encouragement, then gave an exhortation to the entire gathering. He was honored by many speakers, including his children and grandchildren, friends, sharing scriptures and testimonials about the impact he had on their lives.  

   Raymond lived to purposefully serve our Lord and Savior. His desire was to demonstrate and share the love of Christ with others. That love and his faith are the cornerstones of his family and made him a caring presence in the lives of his family, friends and church.   

    He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis Ellis and Clara Dean Chapen; and his brothers, Larry Chapen and Frank Chapen.

    Graveside Services with Military Honors by the U.S. Coast Guard Funeral Honors Detail and Emporia American Legion Post No. 5 will be held on Thursday. December 28, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the Eskridge Cemetery in Eskridge, KS with Pastor Russ Berlew. Following the graveside service, family and friends are invited for a meal prepared by the Mill Creek Baptist Church in McFarland, KS. 

    Raymond spent 24 days at the Kansas City VA Hospital before being discharged to Hospice.  The Fisher House of Kansas City made it possible for family to be at his side during his hospitalization.  Memorial donations may be made to the Kansas City Fisher House for VA families visiting loved ones who are patients at the Kansas City VA Hospital and those may be left with Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P. O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.