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Billy Ray Chapman, 80, Walker, MO passed away at his home on Saturday, November 8, 2025. Billy was born March 20, 1945, near Montevallo, MO, to Raymond A. and Helen M. (Andersen) Chapman. He married Roxane L. Houchin on May 20, 1978, in Kansas City, MO and she survives of the home.
Billy was raised in Montevallo and Nevada, and also lived in Pittsburg, KS for a time. He graduated from Nevada High School in 1963. Billy enlisted in the US Army and served from 1963-1966 while being stationed in Germany for a time. Following his time in the military, he came back to Nevada and began working for Union Pacific Railroad where he worked for over 30 years until his retirement.
In addition to his wife Roxane, he is survived by six children, Tammy Miloncus (Joe), Illinois, Christy Bailey, Richards, MO, David Hazel, Walker, MO, Dana Diamond (Steven), Okmulgee, OK, Travis Chapman, Joplin, and Joe Chapman (Janelle), Sheldon, MO; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a sister, Joyce Terry, Nevada; a brother, Don Chapman (Judy), Joplin; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents, and a son-in-law, Randy Bailey.
Graveside services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Walker. The family will receive friends from 1-2:00 p.m. prior to the service at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.
Memorials are suggested in his name to Vernon County Cancer Relief c/o Ferry Funeral Home.
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