FRANKLIN
John DeCosta (Jack) Chapin, of Franklin, Indiana, On May 21, 2020, Jack Chapin, 94, entered the presence of our loving God and Savior. He fought off COVID-19 but succumbed following surgery for a broken hip. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Earldine Axelson Chapin, his parents Edward W. and Minnie S. Chapin, and his brothers and their wives Edward “Ned” and Joan Chapin, and Lee and Carol Chapin, all of Rahway, NJ.
Jack is survived by his children John D. Chapin IV of Grand Rapids, MI, Janice L. Chapin (Robert Stranzenbach) of Scotch Plains, NJ, and James L. Chapin of Franklin, IN; granddaughter Elizabeth Stranzenbach; niece Rebecca (Douglas) Oakes; nephews Paul (Peter) Chapin, Scott (Reka) Chapin, and Earldine’s nephew and niece Gordon (Anne) Axelson and Sharon Case.
Jack was a charter member of Franklin Community Church, where he served as an elder. He was a life-long member of the Gideons International with a passion for sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. With Earldine he was also active in the early days of Gateway Services. He thoroughly enjoyed volunteering with the Interchurch Food Pantry.
He graduated from Rahway High School in NJ, Union County College, and the University of Michigan. An engineer by training and a tinkerer by avocation, he loved his family and enjoyed endless projects around the homes in which he and Earldine raised their family. He enjoyed exploring the world around him, especially places of scenic and historic significance. He was an avid canoeist and photographer.
The family would like to thank the amazing staff at Otterbein where Jack resided for the past 3 years. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the Interchurch Food Pantry of Johnson County.
Private interment in Greenlawn Cemetery Franklin, Indiana takes place on Tuesday, May 26. A celebration of Jack’s life will occur at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Jessen Funeral Home ~ Franklin Chapel. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.jessenfuneralhome.com.
