As a child, Alex Chapman’s parents introduced him to sports, which not only taught him important life lessons but also helped him form lasting bonds with friends in youth athletics.
Chapman’s physical appearance was that of a man with a large stature, but those who knew him personally will remember him for his kind and compassionate heart.
During their middle school days, Edward Macklin and Chapman crossed paths and quickly formed a strong connection through their shared love for sports. This bond only grew stronger as they entered adulthood, and their friendship endured for decades.
Macklin fondly remembers Alex as a “gentle giant” who shared a love for sports. As their friendship grew, Macklin discovered that Alex was a truly authentic person who always had the best interests of others at heart.
At the young age of 43, Chapman, who served as a teacher at Argentine Middle School and a youth basketball coach, passed away on May 10th due to an aneurysm. His untimely death has left behind a void that will be hard to fill.
According to Macklin, despite Chapman’s struggles with health over the years, he always remained devoted to helping others.
According to Macklin, those who had the privilege of knowing Chapman on a personal level would attest to his unwavering dedication towards positively impacting the lives of young people. He fondly remembers his friend’s enthusiasm for imparting valuable life lessons through sports, particularly among children of varying ages, ranging from young boys to teens and young men. Chapman’s commitment to making a difference in the world through mentorship is a testament to his character and passion.
Macklin shared that Chapman’s philosophy was not centered around producing exceptional athletes for the future, but instead, it was focused on shaping honorable gentlemen.
Macklin, a musician and producer from Kansas City, Kansas, shared that Alex had a special place in his heart for children and was always eager to motivate them to reach their full potential. “He had an unwavering desire to help these kids progress to the next level,” Macklin said.
Chapman graduated from Washington High School, and as per his friends, his aspirations were not to attain fame or notoriety. Rather, he aimed to make a difference in his community. Having grown up in Wyandotte County, he was well aware of how easily young men in that area could drift onto the wrong path. Therefore, Chapman’s goal was to be a positive influence in his society and help it progress.
For years, he dedicated himself to coaching the KC Hoop Squad and the KC Outlaws youth basketball teams, leaving a positive impact on the lives of countless children.
According to Macklin, Alex’s passion for coaching and his dedication to the kids were the driving forces behind his success. Macklin noted that Alex’s ability to form strong bonds and provide consistent love and support to his student athletes was truly remarkable.
According to acquaintances of Chapman, his involvement with children was more than just limited to his role as a trainer and mentor for young basketball players. He went above and beyond to become a surrogate father figure for numerous young boys who were in need of someone to look up to and provide them with love and support. Chapman made it his mission to show these kids that they mattered and that he would always be there for them.
Elliot Berry, now 43 years old, and Chapman go way back to their third-grade days when they played against each other. As time passed, the two ended up playing together and witnessed each other’s journey of becoming matured men and responsible fathers.
According to Berry, despite Chapman’s unwavering commitment to coaching young athletes, his greatest passion was being a father.
According to Berry, Chap’s children were the center of his world, and he made sure to be an active and engaged father despite his busy schedule. “He was always there for his kids, and he truly loved being a dad,” she said. “It was the most important thing in his life.”
According to Berry, he and Chapman shared a special bond that extended beyond their friendship. As the godfather to Chapman’s children, Berry was deeply saddened by his friend’s passing and will miss the profound conversations they had about life during their late-night talks.
Despite the loss of one of his oldest and closest friends, Berry feels grateful to have had the opportunity to have someone like Chapman in his life.
According to Berry, a substitute teacher, he had an immense heart and always wished for the well-being of those around him. Berry reminisces about the long hours they spent talking about their lives, memories, fatherhood, sports, and sharing jokes. These conversations will be greatly missed.
After Chapman’s passing, Berry and Macklin were enlightened with further insights about their dear friend. Numerous anecdotes revealed how he founded a foundation that empowered countless young men to achieve things beyond their wildest dreams.
According to Macklin, he played a significant role in the lives of those around him. His ultimate goal was to ensure that people were content and successful in their endeavors.
Paula Richardson Ivy, Chapman’s mother, along with his brother Randy Mitchell, and his children, Reymon Chapman and Alex W. Chapman Jr., fondly remember him. Additionally, he is survived by several cousins, nephews, and nieces who cherish his memory.
Other Remembrances
Joyce Warren is a name that commands respect and admiration.
Joyce Warren, an insurance underwriter, passed away on May 19 at the age of 73.
On August 5, 1950, O.C. and Ophelia Gillyard welcomed their child, Warren, into the world in Layton, Louisiana.
After completing her high school education at Sevier High School in Ferriday, Louisiana, she pursued her academic aspirations by enrolling at Friends University in Overland Park, Kansas. It was there that she earned a Bachelor of Science degree, marking a significant milestone in her educational journey.
Warren tied the knot with Andrew Warren in 1970, and the two were happily married for the next 45 years until Andrew’s passing.
After dedicating 30 years of her career to Gulf Insurance, Warren retired in 2013 as an underwriter.
Meet Olivia Lamar
Olivia Lamar is someone you should definitely get to know. She is a remarkable individual with a wealth of experience in her field. Olivia has a talent for connecting with people and making them feel valued. Her warm personality and excellent communication skills have earned her a reputation as a top-notch professional.
Olivia’s expertise lies in the field of marketing and advertising. She has an in-depth understanding of consumer behavior and knows how to create effective marketing campaigns that resonate with people. Her ability to think creatively and strategically has helped her clients achieve outstanding results.
When it comes to work, Olivia is known for her strong work ethic and attention to detail. She is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that her clients are satisfied with the results. Olivia is a true team player and is always willing to lend a helping hand to her colleagues.
In her free time, Olivia enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures. She is an avid reader and enjoys learning about new topics. Olivia is also passionate about giving back to her community and is involved in several charitable organizations.
Overall, Olivia Lamar is an exceptional individual who brings a unique combination of expertise, creativity, and passion to everything she does. She is a true asset to any team and is sure to make a positive impact on those around her.
Olivia Lamar, a social security worker, passed away on May 14 at the age of 76.
Lamar’s place of birth is Hollandale, Mississippi on April 13, 1948, to parents G.W. and Viola Cosey. She completed her education at Frobel High School in 1966 and pursued higher education at Wilberforce University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education.
After relocating to Kansas City in 1974, she landed a job as a claims representative at the Social Security Administration, where she crossed paths with her future husband, Lorenzo Lamar.
During election years, Lamar actively served as a poll worker and was deeply engaged in the local community.
Her two sons, Maurice and Reginald Lamar, along with her brothers Foster Stephens, Larry Stephens, and Andrew Johnson, as well as cousins, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, remember her fondly.