Alex A. Chapman, Jr.

Alex Arvian Chapman Jr., 66, of Dearborn Heights, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 14, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Wyandotte, MI and raised in Wayne, MI, the eldest of five children born to Alex (Sr.) and Georgiana Chapman. He settled in the Downriver area, where he raised his four children. Always ambitious and hardworking, Alex quickly began a successful career following his graduation from Wayne Memorial High School in 1974. He spent his career in the automotive industry and owned landscaping businesses. As a dedicated employee of General Motors for nearly 30 years, he made many lifelong friends at Willow Run Assembly, Flint Assembly, and Detroit-Hamtramck (Poletown) Assembly plants before retiring in 2006. He also owned B&M Landscaping Supply in Taylor from 1988-99 and Chapman’s Lawn Care from 1999-2016. Alex also served the Inkster Police Department for nearly two decades, where his hard work and dedication was rewarded when he was promoted to Chief of Auxiliary Police. He eventually became the department’s longest serving Chief before his recent retirement. Alex was a family man, fiercely dedicated to his four children and 13 grandchildren. “Papa with the Monster Truck” was always present and excited to support his grandchildren in their interests, attending countless recitals, concerts, parties, school events, competitions, and ball games. He would light-up while proudly sharing stories about his children and grandchildren. Alex had a passion for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, classic Mopar muscle cars, and Chevrolet Corvettes. His love of riding his Harley-Davidson Road King Classic motorcycle led him to many cross-country adventures with friends and family. He once rode his motorcycle over 900 miles in a single day, a story he regularly and proudly shared. His favorite place to ride was the famous “Tail of the Dragon” at Deals Gap, North Carolina. The treacherous path of 318 curves in 11 miles was no match for Alex’s excellent motorcycle riding skills. Alex’s love of motorcycles, coupled with his commitment to law enforcement, led him to join the Downriver chapter of the Warthogs Motorcycle Club. Alex’s club name, “Story” was fittingly given to him by his brethren for his gift of sharing funny and memorable stories with friends and loved ones. Alex had an affinity for service leadership. He followed the path of his father, grandfather, and uncles, becoming an actively involved and proud member of the Free and Accepted Masons. He held lifetime Masonic memberships at both Golden Ark #595 in Taylor, as well as Wayne Lodge #112. He was also a member of the Shriners and 32nd Degree Scottish Rite. He humbly served as Worshipful Master of Golden Ark #595 in 1999, and served as the Temple Board President for many years. One of his proudest Masonic memories was having the honor of sitting in the East when his three sons earned their Master Mason degrees together at Golden Ark Lodge in 2000. In 2005, Alex was named the Mason of the Year at Golden Ark #595, one of the highest honors for service to the lodge. Alex was a man that lived on his own terms, while selflessly serving others. His commitment and dedication to serving his family, friends, organizations, and his community will be felt for generations to come. Alex was preceded in death by his parents; Alex (Sr.) and Georgiana Chapman. He is survived by his children, Jody (Gary), Alex (Anne), Timothy (Misty), Thomas (Kerri); brother, William; sisters, Debra, Yvonne (Bob), Rebecca; grandchildren, Ciarra, David, Cynthia, Nick, Amelia, Caroline, Tommy, Ashlynn, Nathan, Timmy, Layla, Charlee, Tabitha. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, January 21, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Allen Park Chapel of The Martenson Family of Funeral Homes located at 10915 Allen Road, Allen Park, MI 48101. The funeral services will begin that same evening starting with a Warthog Motorcycle Club service at 7:30 p.m. performed by the Downriver Chapter, a joint Masonic service performed by the Golden Ark #595 and Lodge #112 at 8:00 p.m. and the services ending with a family and friend eulogy at 8:30 p.m. The interment will take place on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Romulus Memorial Cemetery located at 10202 Shook Rd. Romulus, MI 48174. For those joining us in procession to the cemetery, we will be lining vehicles up alongside the Allen Park Chapel at 12:00 p.m. and our procession will leave the funeral home at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Alex's honor. Please visit the tribute wall to share memories and leave condolences.