Everett Edward “Eddie” Chapman Jr., BHS 1957

Everett Edward “Eddie” Chapman Jr., BHS 1957

By Times-Advocate, December 20, 2023

Everett Edward “Eddie” Chapman Jr. passed away on October 8, 2023 at the age of 84 in his home in Escondido after a six year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Born April 8, 1939 in Toledo, Ohio to Everett and Helen Chapman, he grew up as an only child. 

At the young age of two, the family moved from Illinois to California in 1941 where he was raised in the San Fernando Valley. As a young boy Eddie enjoyed spending time outdoors camping and being a member of the Boy Scouts, where he achieved the “Order of the Arrow”. In school, Eddie found a passion for sports, playing on the basketball team his dad coached and later on the Burbank High School football team. He was a member of the Key Club, ASB Legislative Council and the Letterman’s Club. In addition, he enjoyed hanging out with friends in the Burbank “Knight Owls” Club. He was a proud Burbank Bulldog attending numerous Burbank High School alumni reunions over the years and he prioritized staying in contact with his fellow Bulldogs.

After high school graduation in 1957, Eddie began his career in the electrical trade while working for the Burbank High School District as an electrical technician. In 1960, he joined the US Army and then the Air Force Reserves, where he served his country for five years. In 1965, he married his wife Barbara and in 1971 moved to San Diego County. They settled in the outskirts of Escondido, where they raised their family on a five-acre citrus and avocado ranch.

From 1957 until his retirement in 1996 Eddie worked as an electrician, being a dedicated member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local #11 (Los Angeles) and Local #569 (San Diego). He was proud of the work done by the crews he was a part of, especially job sites including the Minuteman Missile Sites at Vandenberg Air Force Base, the Queen Mary and North Island Naval Air Station. In addition to his 36 years as an electrician and electrical estimator, he had an affinity for working with his hands in other trades shown through his many projects on the family’s ranch. From construction projects to putting in a small vineyard, he was always busy designing and implementing his next project.

Eddie was an active member of The Over the Hill Gang Car Club and other numerous car clubs in the area. He had a passion for hot rods attending as many car shows as possible, especially his favorites such as “The Streak” in Mission Bay, the Big Bear Car Run and Friday nights Cruisin’ Grand. With his outgoing personality, he enjoyed “talking shop” and connecting with all of his car buddies.

Eddie is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara Chapman, his three children, son Edward Martin Chapman and fiance Samantha Hansen, daughter Gretchen Hirschhorn, son-in-law Robert Hirschhorn, and daughter Margaret Chapman. In addition, he was blessed with four granddaughters: Katie Chapman, Samantha Hirschhorn, Morgan Hirschhorn and Jamie Chapman.

The family would like to thank Elizabeth Hospice of Escondido and the numerous caregivers that helped with his care. His family is planning a Celebration of Life for January 6th, 2024 at 12:00 pm. Eddie was cremated at his request. A private family burial will occur at the San Pasqual Cemetery in the San Pasqual Valley, Escondido. If you are so inclined, donations can be made in memory of Everett E. “Eddie” Chapman (Class of 1957) to the Burbank Senior Bulldogs Foundation (Scholarship Fund), P.O. Box 2092, Burbank, CA 91507.