Don Chapman

October 19, 1935 - March 22, 2024

Donald Harold Chapman, Sr died in Palm Desert, California. He was born in Glendale to Harold and Pansy Chapman and was the fourth child with three older sisters, June '46, Betty Jean '48, and Barbara '52, who were all raised in San Marino. Don graduated from South Pasadena High School and attended Mercersburg Academy in Pennsylvania following high school. He went on to be a signalman in the US Navy where he spent time in Australia and the Philippines. Once he left the Navy, he attended USC and Pasadena City College where he met his wife, Judith Nelson. They married in 1959 in Pasadena and went on to honeymoon in Santa Barbara to Lake Tahoe to Canada in Don's little MGA.

They started their married life in Alhambra and had their first son Don Jr in 1961 followed by Scott in 1962. The family started their early life in San Marino where Don ran a men's clothing store on Lake Avenue in Pasadena. He was also in the South Pasadena Police Department Reserves, and he loved to share his stories from that time in his life. In 1970, Don packed up his family and moved to Maui to eventually open more than 20 stores in Maui, Oahu, and on the Big Island. As a traditional haberdasher, Don ran all the stores for many years, hopping islands and staying very involved in the Hawaii Hotel Association where he met many lifelong friends. Don and Judy were also members of Waialae Country Club in Oahu where they had a very active tennis and social life.

Their sons, Don and Scott, attended schools in Hawaii where they both graduated from high school, but went back to California to attend USC. Don and Judy moved back to the mainland in 1984 to be near their sons and eventually retire from the clothing business.

Don and Judy loved to travel and took many exciting trips around the world as well as in the US. After living in Newport Beach for several years, they ended up in the desert full time, where they enjoyed tennis with their friends and family.

Don was a man that was larger than life to so many people and he will be missed. He is survived by his wife, Judy of 64 years, his son Don (Jody) and son Scott (Nicole), five grandchildren and one great-grandson. 'Big Don' will be remembered for his big smile, his love for his family, and dedication to his wife.

The Desert Sun, April 2024