Ronald Eugene Chapman

Ronald Eugene Chapman, 80-year-old longtime Vinita resident, passed away Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at home surrounded by family. He was born January 30, 1945, to William Jennings Bryan and Verda Edna (Thompson) Chapman in Cardin, Oklahoma. He was drafted in the US Army and served during the Vietnam War.

After serving in the military, Ronnie worked for the Union Pacific Railroad as a Railroad Engineer where he was responsible for building, maintaining, and repairing the railroads throughout the region until his retirement.

In his spare time, and in retirement, Ronnie enjoyed fishing and hunting; specifically fishing for crappie and hunting rabbit along with the occasional squirrel. Although he could not swim a lick, he was an avid skier and, with a life jacket, could ski across the lake at moment’s notice.

He was also fond of games. He played Bingo on Friday and Saturday nights with family and friends. He was also known for his knack at Canasta. A good cup of coffee about ten o’clock at night and Ronnie would play Canasta until three or four in the morning. He also played Dominos from time to time as well.

Ronnie loved his family. He enjoyed spending time with them and attended every sporting event no matter who was playing throughout the years. He was known to be ornery; a constant jokester who you could never tell when he was serious. He never met a stranger and was genuinely loved by all. He will be deeply missed.

Ronnie is survived by his children, Ronald Rea Hankins, Carol Jean Hankins, Steven Glen Hankins, Gregory Neil Hankins, Marilyn Wyona (Hankins) Watts, and Breanda Charlene Hankins Armijo; fifteen grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; sisters, Eloyce June Sherman, Doris Marie Barnett, Ruth Ester Singleton; brothers, Donald Wayne Chapman, and Raymond Dale Chapman; and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois; parents; sister, Marilyn Louise Opichka; and brother, Bryan Leon Chapman.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 P.M., Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Luginbuel Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, May 16, 2025, in the Luginbuel Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Justin Turner officiating. Interment will follow in the Fairview Cemetery in Vinita.

Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemoriesvinita.com or on the funeral home Facebook page. Arrangements are in the care of Luginbuel Funeral Home of Vinita. “Family owned. Locally operated.”