Thomas Michael Chapman Jr.

Tom was born on September 13, 1930, in St. Louis, Missouri, to parents Thomas Sr. and Adeline Chapman. The fourth of five children, Tom was close with his sisters Virginia “Ginny,” Aline “Faff,” Dolores “Doe,” and Helen “Dolly.” He had a deep connection to his family, community, and Irish roots. Tom grew up on The Hill where he played stickball with his buddies and cheered on his beloved St. Louis Cardinals.

Tom graduated from Christian Brothers College High School in 1948. He attended the University of Missouri and met the love of his life, Dolores “Dee” Martin, there. They went on their first date on October 22, 1950—an evening of dancing to a big band at Brewer Fieldhouse.

In April 1951, Tom joined the U.S. Army. He was accepted to the sixteenth class of Field Artillery Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and graduated in June 1952. Tom served in the Korean War as a First Lieutenant and an Artillery Forward Observer. He fought in the Battle of Pork Chop Hill and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for helping extract wounded and dead soldiers from a patrol that entered a minefield. After his discharge in 1953, Tom returned to Mizzou on the G.I. Bill to finish his Bachelor of Arts in political science.

On June 5, 1954, he married Dee at St. Ann Catholic Church in Normandy, Missouri. Over the next few years, they lived in Columbia and St. Louis and welcomed their three children. Joan was born in 1955, Tom III was born in 1957, and Mark was born in 1960 on Tom and Dee’s wedding anniversary.

In 1965, Tom and Dee returned to Columbia, where they would spend the next five decades. Tom’s career spanned public relations, politics, and media. Highlights included working as the public relations executive for Sidney Salomon, Jr. & Associates. Tom was there in 1966 when Sid Jr. and his son, Sid III, established a new NHL franchise in St. Louis. Tom helped the Salomons create the name and logo for the St. Louis Blues. Tom entered politics and developed his expertise in campaign management at the local, state, and national level. He worked on the Missouri advance team for Jimmy Carter’s 1976 presidential campaign. PR and media brought him back to the University of Missouri, at the MU Extension, as the Director of Conferences and Short Courses. Tom finished his career as the station manager at KMIZ ABC 17 News in Columbia. A highlight of his time there was working with a new reporter and anchor named Savannah Guthrie.

The first of Tom and Dee’s four grandchildren was born in 1989. “Papa” and “Grandma Dee” frequently made the 10-hour drive from Columbia to the Dallas area to visit and help care for their cherished grandkids.

In retirement, Tom was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 280 in Columbia and volunteered with its Honor Guard. In 2010, he returned to South Korea as part of the Veterans Revisit Korea Program and participated in the Inchon Landing Ceremony. In 2013, he joined a Central Missouri Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., to see the Korean War memorial.

Tom remained active in the Columbia community. He was a member of the Columbia Cosmopolitan Luncheon Club and helped put on the annual “Fire in the Sky” fireworks show for Independence Day. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church and volunteered at its holiday bazaar for many years.

In 2018, Tom and Dee moved to North Texas to be closer to Joan, Mark, and their families. They enjoyed countless family gatherings, celebrations, and holiday dinners. Tom also enjoyed becoming a member of All Saints Catholic Church.

Throughout his life, aviation fascinated Tom, whether he was flying, watching airplanes land at Addison Airport or collecting models of his favorite planes. And he loved his hometown of St. Louis—he was a lifelong fan of the Cardinals, toasted ravioli, and gooey butter cake.

Tom is survived by his children, Joan Flandreau (Herb Flandreau), Thomas Chapman III, and Mark Chapman (Susie Chapman); grandchildren, Michelle Flandreau (Evan Bush), Melissa Flandreau (Jacob Salmon), Jack Chapman, and Nick Chapman; and great-grandson, Theodore Thomas Salmon. He is also survived by his cherished nieces, nephews, and their families. Tom is welcomed in heaven by his beloved Dee, along with his parents and sisters.

Tom will be remembered in many ways: As a loving spouse who faithfully cared for his wife as she struggled with Alzheimer's disease. As a distinguished veteran who courageously served his country. As a masterful storyteller with a steel-trap memory and a love of politics and current events. Most importantly, Tom will be remembered as a man who deeply valued his family and was forever telling you how much you meant to him.

Tom spent the past few years living his life at The Tradition-Prestonwood Assisted Living in Dallas. He made many dear friends there. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the entire staff at The Tradition for all the care Tom received. In addition, their compassion, along with that of Allstar Hospice, was of great comfort to Tom and his family in the final weeks of his life.

A memorial service with full military honors will be held for Tom at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis on May 13, 2024.