Bonnie Jean Chapman was born May 11, 1928 in Ottawa, Kansas, the daughter of Clarence C Chapman and Lois J. (Creviston) Chapman. She moved to Lawrence when she was three years old and attended Lawrence schools and the University of Kansas. During World War II she married Charles “Okie” E. Snedeger in Vallejo, California on August 10, 1944 while he was stationed on a ship in the U.S. Navy. After the war ended, they moved back to Lawrence in 1946 where they have since resided.
She was a genealogist and family historian for over sixty years. During 1970’s and 1980’s she surveyed all of the cemeteries in Douglas County. She published two volumes in 1987 called, Complete Tombstone Census of Douglas County, KS. This was a huge undertaking with a huge impact on history.
From 1968 to 1990 she and her husband owned and operated “Snedeger and Son Coin Laundry” at 12th and Connecticut Street.
She worked a few years at the Rock Chalk Café and at Watkins Hospital at K.U. in the office. Her main interest was her family. She was a member of the First Christian Church.
Survivors include her two daughters, Sonnie Kemberling and husband, Jerry, Wendy Dalquest and husband, Ron; one son, Charles W. Snedeger and wife, Sarah; eight grandchildren, Steven Corbett, Amy Pugh, Jeff Corbett, Kevin Patterson, Brian Patterson, Elizabeth O’Neil, Abraham “Abe” Snedeger, Ashley Kretzschmer; ten great grandchildren, Keelin Snedeger, Haley Snedeger, Dade Wolf, Avery Pugh, Abby Patterson, Dylan Patterson, Kaden O’Neil, Zarek O’Neil, William Kretzschmer and Brianna Kretzschmer; one great-great grandchild, Louuka Fletcher; sister, Maxine Graves, Lawrence; and one half-sister, Karen Moore and husband, David, Eudora, KS.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 74 years, Okie; three half-brothers, Kenneth Chapman, Ed Chapman and Rick Chapman.
With social distancing in place, and masks being required, family and friends are welcome to attend in person.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 8, 2021 at Memorial Park Cemetery
She will lie in state from noon – 5 p.m. Thursday, January 7, 2021 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Visiting Nurses Hospice and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Warren-Mcelwain Mortuary
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