Thomas "Tommy" A. Chapman

Oakland, IL - Thomas 'Tommy' A. Chapman, age 23, of Oakland, IL, formerly of Mattoon, IL, passed away at 6:20 a.m., August 23, 2014, north of Ashmore, IL, from injuries resulting from an automobile accident.\r\n\r\nThe funeral service in his honor will begin at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, August 30, 2014, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938, with Reverend Dennis Strawn officiating. Interment will be at Dodge Grove Cemetery in Mattoon, IL, with military rights conducted by V.F.W. Post 4325 of Mattoon, IL. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m., until the service begins. \r\n\r\nBorn March 24, 1991, in Arcola, IL, Tommy was the son of Kathy (Chapman) and Patrick Smith. \r\nHe is survived by his parents, Kathy Smith and her husband, Patrick of Mattoon, IL; an infant son, Kenneth D. Chapman and mother Nichole Tarr of Tuscola, IL; two sisters, Kacie Smith and Kari Smith, both of Mattoon, IL; maternal grandparents, Merle and Dorothy Garrett of Atwood, IL, and Sharon Chapman of Mission, TX; and great grandmother, Aileen Stinson; as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Kenneth Chapman, and Clarence and Edith Smith; as well as two uncles, Dale Chapman and James Smith; and a cousin, Kaylee Havrilka. \r\n\r\nBefore graduating from Mattoon High School in 2009, Tommy was a member of the JROTC Drill Team, Rifle Team, and Team Massive. After high school, he immediately attended Basic Training, and proudly served as a member of the United States Army National Guard for 6 years. In 2011, he earned his Emergency Medical Technician License from Lakeland College. He was currently employed with Dayton Freight in Arcola, IL, and Oakland Ambulance Service in Oakland, IL. He also served as volunteer firemen with the Oakland Fire Department. \r\n\r\nFishing and storm chasing were among Tommy's hobbies. He was a fan of NASCAR, Chicago Cubs Baseball, and Chicago Bears football. \r\n\r\nA genuinely good guy, and a friend of many, he will be truly missed by those fortunate enough to have known him. He will be remembered for his willingness to serve others, and his fun-loving spirit.\r\n \r\nMemorials may be made to the Kenneth D. Chapman Trust Fund, for Tommy's young son, in care of Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home. \r\n\r\nPlease visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in his honor or share a memory with his family.\r\n

Tributes

Thomas "Tommy" A. Chapman

March 24, 1991 - August 23, 2014