Herschel Augustus Chapman – May 30, 2025

Herschel Augustus Chapman, age 65, a loving father, devoted servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, cherished son, brother, uncle, nephew, grandfather, and dear friend, went home to be with the Lord on May 30, 2025.

Herschel was born on February 7, 1960, in Killeen, Texas, to the late Augustus and Georgia Chapman while the family was stationed at Fort Hood. At an early age, Herschel accepted Christ and was baptized at St. John’s Baptist Church in Colorado Springs, where his journey of faith began.

A proud graduate of Doherty High School in 1978, Herschel went on to earn a degree from the Dry Institute of Technology in Phoenix, Arizona. After completing his education, he returned to Colorado Springs to live and work, where he met and married the love of his life, Mary Waughtel of Fruita, Colorado, on February 19, 1998.

Herschel was an accomplished and competitive athlete, having been a two-sport varsity athlete during his high school years at James I. O’Neill High School in West Point/Highland Falls, New York, and at Doherty High School in Colorado Springs. He earned letters in both football and baseball. He was also an avid outdoorsman who found joy and spiritual connection in nature through hiking, fishing, and upland game hunting with his faithful dog. These outdoor adventures were sacred moments for Herschel, where he felt closest to the Lord.

Herschel dedicated 13 years operating his valued pest control company, Elite Pest Control. He was respected not only for his skill but for his kindness, integrity, and genuine relationships he built with his customers. Herschel will always be grateful and appreciative toward his customers for their support, loyalty, and commitment to his business.

Raised with a deep and abiding faith, Herschel made sure to instill those same values in his children. In his youth, he was an active member of the Junior Usher Board at St. John’s Baptist Church, and his unwavering relationship with Jesus Christ remained central throughout his life. He taught that Jesus Christ is the only path to salvation, a belief he carried steadfastly until his passing.

Herschel is survived by his beloved children: Rio (Ricky) Marquez of Wiggins, Colorado; Rachel Chapman of Lihue, Hawaii; and Rilee Chapman of Colorado Springs. He is also survived by his siblings: Beverly (Ulysses) Swift and Cynthia Chapman Austin, both of Colorado Springs, and James (Brenda) Chapman of Newark, Delaware. He leaves behind four grandchildren: Maceo, Nando, Linnea, Koen, and another granddaughter on the way; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will continue to cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Augustus (2003) and Georgia Chapman (2008), and his beloved wife of 15 years, Mary Waughtel Chapman (2011).

Herschel’s legacy of faith, love, and devotion will live on through all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of Herschel Chapman’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 East Fountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910.