William Devereux Chapman

Memorial services for William Devereux Chapman, 86, a longtime resident of Lufkin, will be held Thursday, April 4, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. in Carpenters Way Baptist Church with Pastor Mark Wilke officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Carroway Funeral Home.

Mr. Chapman passed away on Monday, April 1, 2013 at his home. He was born March 9, 1927 in Hemphill, Texas.

Devereux was first and foremost a Christian and a member of Carpenters Way Baptist Church, where he held the position of elder and loving caretaker of babies in the nursery. He participated in mission trips to Brazil on three separate occasions. At other churches, he served the youth faithfully as a teacher and director of Sunday School.

His Lord came first in his life, as did loving his wife of 66 years. Beyond that, he was a local businessman since 1967. He was very active in civic organizations, serving as President and Lt. Governor of Kiwanis for the Texas/Oklahoma District. He also served as past vice president of the Lufkin Chamber of Commerce. As a result of his involvement with youth activities through the Lufkin Independent School District, he was honored for his dedicated service to the youth of Lufkin. In recent years, he served on the Lufkin Landscape Task Force.

He enjoyed a number of hobbies including metal sculpting, wood carving and bowl turning. For many years, he met with a local group of wood turners to learn and exchange ideas and enjoyed their friendship.

Devereux attended Texas A&M and Stephen F. Austin Universities. He served his country in World War II as a hospital corpsman in the U.S. Navy.

To sum up his life, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. His family was his utmost passion in his life.

He is survived by his adoring wife, Jean; daughters, Dani and husband Scott Cordova of Houston, Debbie and husband Patrick Rogers of Austin, and Barbara and husband Brian Baxter of Knoxville, Tennessee; grandchildren, Ashlee and Jeff Lyons of Magnolia, Blake and Jessica Cordova of Houston, Jeremy and Caroline Rogers, Derek Rogers, Stephanie Rogers, all of Austin, Mindy and Jason Wells, and Kristen and Tyler Cunningham, all of Knoxville; great grandchildren, Ava Cordova, Brysen Cunningham, and Parker Wells; his brother, Jack and wife Fae and daughter Susan, all of Lancaster; longtime loyal, faithful employee and friend, Jose Maldonado; and many other friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ruby Chapman.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Carpenters Way Baptist Church, 400 N. John Redditt Dr., Lufkin, Texas 75904.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors