CHAPMAN, William Brad

Kingman Daily Miner, Kingman, AZ - Published on June 28, 2013 - William Brad Chapman, "Pop," "Papa Brad," passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 22, 2013, in Kingman. Brad lived every day until his last with a stubborn will and great appreciation for laughter and family. Brad was born Oct. 16, 1932, in Duncan, Ariz., to William and Mary Chapman. Brad grew up on a ranch where he spent his days enjoying all aspects of ranch life. Early on, Brad developed a passion for horses and roping that he proudly passed down through the upcoming generations. Brad moved to Kingman in the summer of 1962. He owned and operated the Shooting Star Motel for more than two decades. He also owned an old page-wire arena on the corner of Castlerock and Gordon that was made famous by his weekly jackpot team ropings. Families (including his own) and friends would come from far and wide to enjoy the creative Brad Chapman roping format, and the occasional match race, foot race, arm wrestling match or anything that the "ol' guys" could place a bet on. Brad served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1956. He fought in the Korean War. He also retired from the city of Kingman, where he worked as a blade operator. Brad was a proud and dignified family man. He was known best for his intuitiveness, strong political opinions, stubborn will, endless supply of pranks, and his misunderstood engineering skills. Pop will be loved and missed by all who knew him. Brad is survived by his wife, Diana Murphy; three sons, Brett (Elsa), Blake (Rhonda) and Brady (Nasia); many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; step-children, Michael Murphy, Jennie Ann Ziemet, Timothy Murphy, Mary Flores, Patricia Murphy, Mathew Murphy; sister, Sheri (Corky) Rimel; and many step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 4 p.m. Monday, July 1, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 610 Eastern Ave., Kingman.