Bert Chapin

Albert “Bert” D. Chapin, 87, of Washington, KS, died Saturday, April 17, 2010 at the Homestead Nursing Home. A funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 20, at the United Methodist Church in Washington. Pastor Randy Jellison-Knock officiated. Musicians were Sheila Ouellette and Addie Chapin. Addie played “Amazing Grace” and “What a Wonderful World” Sheila played congregational hymns “ The Old Rugged Cross” and “Hymn of Promise.” Pallbearers were Tim Wells, Tom Wells, Todd Wells, Cory Chapin, Jeff Chapin, nate Chapin, Rahe Ann Chapin and Addie Chapin. Burial was in the Washington City Cemetery. Albert Delos "Bert" Chapin was born August 3, 1922 in Glasco Kansas to George L. & Bessie (Randall) Chapin. He graduated from Glasco High School in 1940 and attended one year at Kansas State University. He took a job in Washington Kansas with the First National Bank in 1942. He then entered and served in the Army Air Force from 1943 to 1945 flying 30 missions out of Italy as an aerial gunner on a B-24 Liberator Bomber, during WWII. He received a honorable discharge in 1945. He married Clara Randall on Sept 4, 1943 in Tucson Arizona. She preceded him in death on June 3, 2008. Upon his discharge from the Army Air Force Bert spent his entire life in Washington Kansas. He was County Clerk for two years (1953-1955), and then returned to the First National Bank in 1955. He graduated from the School of Banking in Madison, WI. He reached the title of President and Chairman of the Board before his retirement on August 1, 1987, after 32 years with the bank. Bert was a member of the United Methodist Church, charter member of the Washington Rotary and served on the school board at Washington. He was a 32nd degree Master Mason, member of the Shriners, and order of the Eastern Star. He held many offices with the local lodge 104 AF&AM and was a lifetime member of Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, and member of the Marysville Masonic Lodge 91 AF&AM. Bert was an avid golfer winning many club championships & awards at the local club as well as numerous championships at area golf courses. He still hold the record for the most Jayhusker Tournament wins with 5, having won in 1962, 66, 67, 75 and 76. His hobby was golf, period. He did hunt (until he lost his gun) and fished when the boys insisted on it. He was diagnosed of having Alzheimer’s and spent the last 11 years of his life with compassionate and excellent care at the Centennial Homestead and the last couple of months with special & loving care from the Meadowlark Hospice of Clay Center, Ks. A.D., Bert, Daddeo with be sorely missed by family & friends but all can take comfort in knowing he’s in a better place. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a brother Leland; and a sister Merle Butler. Survivors include three children: Judy Wells (David) of Manhattan, KS, twin sons, Mike Chapin (Linda) of Hutchinson, KS, and Mark Chapin (Peggy) of Washington, KS; eight grandchildren & six great grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Cedar Hills Golf Course or the Alzheimer’s Association and sent in care of Ward Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Bert Chapin, please visit our flower store.