KNOX — Roger T. Chapman was loved by his family, and he especially enjoyed sharing his love of  John Deere tractors and many of his other interests with family and friends. He died on Monday, Aug. 30, 2021, after a  short illness. He was 81 years old.

He joined the Navy after high school and served on the USS Kretchmer, DE/DER 329, a sister ship to the USS Slater, DE 766, at the Port of Albany. The Kretchmer reunion, in 2003, was hosted by Roger and Verna Chapman. Over 100 crew and family attended the reunion, representing those who served in World War II to Vietnam.  

He was also active in many organizations, always willing to share his knowledge with others, with a joke or a story or two added. He was a member of the Helderberg American Legion Post 977 and the American Legion Riders/Post 977; he was a life member of the Altamont Veterans of Foreiign Wars. He also belonged to the Knox Plankroaders and the Hudson Mohawk Chapter of the Pioneer Gas Engine Association. 

For many years, he worked at the Altamont Fair. The Mechanic Shop was built for him. While there, he also designed and built two trams, as well as doing other jobs as needed.

He also enjoyed baking. He made two favorites: a chocolate mayonnaise cake and pecan sticky buns, both from scratch and from recipes that he adjusted to perfection.  

He is survived by his wife, Verna Chapman; two sons, Jeffery and Danny Chapman and his wife, Bonnie; and one daughter, Kathy Chapman and Rich; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He is  also survived by three sisters: Nancy Taylor, Sue Sharp, and Carol Foster; and by many nieces and nephews.  

A celebration of his life will be held at the Helderberg American Legion Post 977 at 988 Altamont  Blvd. in Altamont from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 19. A short military  service will take place at 1:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Helderberg American Legion Post 977, American Legion  Riders, Post Office Box, Altamont, NY 12009.