Benefit Show for the Chapman Family
- July 19th, 2008 at 8:00pm
- At the Dutton Theater in Branson, MO - 3454 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616
The Chapman Family Story
Carl Robert Chapman was born in Mesa Arizona on July 21, 1946 to Herbert and Mildred Chapman. He grew up in Mesa on a cotton farm. In 1964 he met Martha Jean Lewis. They dated for about a year and decided to marry. They traveled to Kanab Utah and were wed on May 25, 1965. Martha was 15, Carl was 18.
Carl and Martha soon started a family. They raised 9 children. Carl always worked hard to provide for them. He worked as a logger, rancher, truck driver, and operated his own business building farm fence.
When the youngest of those 9 children got married and moved out, the Chapmans felt that something was missing. So when the opportunity came for them to host some Russian orphans, they were eager to help. They fell in love with those kids, and decided to adopt them. When it was all said and done, they had adopted 13 children from Russia and Ukraine.
Soon after completing the adoption process for the last few kids, Carl passed away. He died of a heart attack on June 20, 2008. Martha is left with 11 children still living at home, the youngest of which is 11.
On July 4, 2008, one of their children, Ryan age 14, was rushed to the emergency room. The doctors were unsure what was wrong. They tested Ryan and found that he had Pneumonia, Meningitis, and Sinusitis. He passed away at the tender age of 14 on July 9, 2008.
Ryan Dimitry Chapman was born August 17, 1993 in Vladivostok, Russia.
He and his two biological sisters, Nadia and Veeka, were adopted by
Carl and Martha in March of 2003. Ryan's greatest dream of coming to
America and having a real family had come true.
Ryan loved church, Scouting, The outdoors, and animals - especially chickens. His family lovingly called him "The Chicken Boy". He loved his family most of all.
Ryan was extremely creative and artistic. He could make art out of anything and also draw beautifully. Ryan made friends easily and was very loyal. He was obedient and always tried to do what was right.
Ryan Dimitry Chapman died due to complications of Sinusitis and Meningitis on July 9, 2008 in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of St. John's Hospital. He will be sorely missed.
The Chapman family needs your support at this benefit show. This is a great cause and a wonderful family. Please pass along the word to everyone you know and let's sell out the house on July 19!