Eldon Wayne Chapman, Longtime Paris Resident, Dies at 93

Chapman leaves behind a legacy of service, community, and raising funds for childhood cancer research.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:42pm

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A blurred, dreamlike photograph in soft, earthy tones depicting an elderly couple walking hand-in-hand down a tree-lined street, conveying a sense of lifelong love and community.The enduring legacy of Eldon Wayne Chapman's decades of service and community involvement is reflected in the warm, intimate moments he shared with his beloved wife of 71 years.Paris Today

Eldon Wayne Chapman, a longtime resident of Paris, Texas, passed away at the age of 93, leaving behind a distinguished legacy of integrity, service, and love. Chapman was a standout basketball player in high school and an honors graduate of East Texas State University. He dedicated 34 years to the National Guard and 35 years to the Soil Conservation Service, taking his family across Texas, Montana, Alabama, and Washington, D.C. In retirement, Chapman and his wife Pat moved back to Paris, where they were active in the community and traveled extensively.

Why it matters

Chapman's life story exemplifies the values of service, commitment, and community involvement that were central to the identity of many small Texas towns like Paris in the mid-20th century. His dedication to raising funds for childhood cancer research through St. Baldrick's events also highlights the important role that local leaders can play in supporting important causes.

The details

During his retirement, Chapman and his wife Pat were active in the Paris community, enjoying square dancing, round dancing, and building lasting friendships. Chapman personally raised more than $123,000 for the St. Baldrick's Foundation, shaving his head 17 times to support childhood cancer research. The events he and his friends organized raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and helped save lives.

  • Eldon Wayne Chapman passed away in April 2026.
  • Chapman had been shaving his head for the St. Baldrick's Foundation since 2009, with his last shave taking place in November 2025.

The players

Eldon Wayne Chapman

A 93-year-old former standout basketball player for Paris High School and an honors graduate of East Texas State University, who dedicated his life to service in the National Guard and Soil Conservation Service, and was a devoted fundraiser for the St. Baldrick's Foundation.

Pat Chapman

Eldon Wayne Chapman's wife of 71 years, with whom he built a devoted family and traveled extensively in retirement.

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What they’re saying

“It's been a wonderful life.”

— Eldon Wayne Chapman

What’s next

The family will receive friends at the Bright-Holland Funeral Home one hour prior to Eldon Wayne Chapman's memorial service, which is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 18th.

The takeaway

Eldon Wayne Chapman's life exemplified the values of service, community, and compassion that were central to small-town Texas in the mid-20th century. His decades-long dedication to fundraising for childhood cancer research through the St. Baldrick's Foundation left a lasting impact on his local community and beyond.