TILTON ---- Carl Anthony Chapman, of Tilton, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2026, following a period of declining health.
Born on Christmas Eve, 1935, Carl was the son of the late Henry and Marguerite Chapman.
Shortly after high school, Carl enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska, the Headquarters of the Strategic Air Command (SAC). During his service, he was hand-selected to help form Detachment A of the Air Police Squadron. Known as the “Palace Guards,” this elite unit was tasked with providing personal security for the command’s top leadership and the nation's critical strategic nerve center, as well as performing ceremonial duties.
In 1955, Carl married Patricia (Patty) Webber, a commitment he had first made to her when they were in the fourth grade. Patty joined him in Nebraska for the remainder of his service. Following his honorable discharge, they returned to New Hampshire and settled in Laconia. Eventually, Carl opened and operated his own general contracting business. He spent the rest of his career building and working throughout the Lakes Region until his retirement. Carl was actively involved in South Baptist Church where he and Patty led a youth group. They later attended Evangelical Baptist Church where they built a community shared in faith and fellowship.
Upon his retirement, Carl and Patty sold their house in Laconia and moved to Tilton where they built their dream one level, open concept home, complete with a wood burning fireplace and a long farmer’s porch so that they could sit and enjoy the view of the mountains and Silver Lake. Carl kept himself busy on that property, repairing stone walls, watching the bears, deer, and turkeys that frequently wandered through and tending to the orchard that included two peach, two pear, and eight apple trees.
An avid outdoorsman, Carl found his greatest peace in the woods or on the water. He was especially fond of turkey hunting and fly fishing for brook trout, but his true passion was pheasant hunting, a pursuit made even better by watching his beloved Brittany Spaniels work through the fields every October.
Carl was a master storyteller, known for regaling friends and family with vivid accounts of local history and his own adventures. Above all, he was a devoted family man; a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who spent countless hours teaching his grandchildren to tie flies, taking them on riding on his four-wheeler and tractor and playing many games of his favorite card game, Onze.
Carl was predeceased by his parents; his loving wife of 50 years, Patricia; and his brothers, Conrad and Colin Chapman. He is survived by his son, Tim Chapman and his wife Sharon of Belmont, NH; his daughters, Linda Shane and her husband Bill of Woodruff, SC, and Diane Gordon and her husband Jim of Killingly, CT. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren, John Chapman, Mark Chapman and Brian Chapman, Jordan Shane and Zachary Shane, Casey Gordon, Nate Gordon, Dana Gordon and Chloe Gordon; and six great-grandchildren who will miss him dearly.
Calling Hours will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 5:00pm-6:30pm, in the Carriage House at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH 03246.
A Memorial Service will start at 6:30pm, also at the Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or Boys Town, 14100 Crawford Street, Boys Town, NE 68010, or to Ronald McDonald House Global, 26345 Network Place, Chicago, IL 60673-1263, organizations close to Carl’s heart.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.