The Grady Family: Papa Tom

Chapman, Perry T. "Tom", beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home in Murrieta, California on Friday, August 29, 2014. Tom was born on February 4, 1924, in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Ruth Catherine Bauer; brother, Dean R. Chapman; and sister, Carmen J. Benson.

Tom loved the game of basketball and played for Los Angeles City College and with the Amateur Athletic Union on a competitive team. During WWII, he served as a Radiosonde Operator with the Army Air Corps. As an avid golfer, Tom participated in many Southern California Golf Association tournaments and especially enjoyed a lifetime of golf games with his wife, Ruth.

Tom's career in the steel fabrication industry spanned more than 45 years. He was the President and owner of Allied Steel Co. in Los Angeles, and was actively involved with the Steel Fabricators Association serving as its President from 1985 until 1987.

Tom was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving as a Bishop in Downey, California and held other positions of church leadership throughout his life.

He is survived by his sons, Bruce (Renee), Brian, Perry (Jeanette); and daughters, Cheryl (Russ), Rider and Marcia Tardiff and his brother-in-law, John J. Bauer. He loved his 17 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 11 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 38980 Sky Canyon Drive, Murrieta , CA 92563. A private family burial service will be held at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, California.

When I arrived to California, Papa Tom had been in the hospital for a little while for some kidney problems and had had surgery to put a stint in to take care of a aneurysm in his stomach. He wasn't doing well, so that evening we went to visit him.

Papa Tom was still sharp as ever, but exhausted.

We visited for a little while with many of my cousins, aunts, and uncles present. Even though the circumstances weren't great, I was glad to see many of them since I hardly ever do.

Before we left, we had a family prayer around Papa Tom's bedside.

I held my sweet Papa Tom's hand, knowing that this may be our goodbye for this life.

Thankfully, I was able to go visit him at home one last time the next day.

He died peacefully at home two days later, with his eldest son, Bruce, at his side along with dozens of pictures of his beautiful bride, Grandma Ruth, his children, and grandchildren to guide him home.

Unfortunately, the timing was such that I knew that I would be in Prague during the funeral.

In fact, Papa Tom knew it too. When I visited with him, he knew all about my upcoming trip and asked me several times when I was leaving and returning. He knew the timing wasn't good, but I was so glad to be there to visit with him. I will treasure that.

Since I wasn't at the funeral and don't have pictures of it, here are some of my favorites with Papa Tom

Perry Kevin Chapman, Steven Perry Chapman holding Cody Perry Chapman, and Perry Thomas Chapman hanging out all watching golf (so typical of them, it makes me smile)