Donald Robert Joseph Chapman

Born in Detroit, the son of Donald and Yvonne (Damon) Chapman, Donald graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1973. Shortly after, he moved to Marquette to attend Northern Michigan University, beginning a lifelong connection to the Upper Peninsula.

During his time in Marquette, Donald met Chris Mahn. The two were married on October 3, 1983, and together they built a strong, loving family. The couple later relocated downstate, where Donald began a successful career as a district manager for Combined Insurance. After several years in management, he transitioned to the Ford Motor Company, working as an assembly line worker until his well-earned retirement.

Donald was a man of many passions. He was skilled in woodworking, loved shooting and fly fishing, and found joy in tending to his plants, his appreciation for life showed even in the way he nurtured the smallest sprout. He was a proud member of the Center Mass Gun Club in Livonia and an avid sports fan, rarely missing an opportunity to cheer on Michigan football or watch his grandsons play. Most of all, he cherished time spent with his children and grandchildren.

Known for his honesty, loyalty, and unmistakable sense of humor, Donald had a gift for making people laugh. He was straightforward, sarcastic, quick with a one-liner, and a salesman in every sense, warm, engaging, and memorable to everyone he met. His loving and respectful nature made him someone people trusted and admired.

Donald is survived by his wife, Chris Chapman; his children, Donald “D.J.” Chapman Jr. of Marquette and Chad (Jamie) Chapman of Marquette; and his cherished grandsons, Nathan and Owen Chapman. He is also survived by his brother, Kevin Chapman of Clinton Township, Michigan; his niece, Katelyn Chapman; and extended family members, Diane and Linda Gross.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his nephew, Kyle Chapman.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the NRA Attn: Finance 11250 Waples Mill Rd Fairfax, VA 22030 or the Wounded Warrior Project PO Box 758516 Topeka KS 66675, organizations close to Donald’s heart.

Funeral services for Donald will be held at the Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services On Saturday, December 20, 2025. Visitation will take place from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm. Funeral services will be at 12:00 pm with Fr. Dan Moll officiating. The Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com