Edward Douglas "Coach" Chapman, 83, passed away March 1, 2023. He is now healthy and at peace with his Lord. He was born on July 8, 1939, in Herrin IL, to (William) Ed and (Fern) Vidalene Chapman. He married the love of his life, Janet Stritzel on August 10, 1962. Doug graduated from Johnston City High School in Johnston City, Illinois and then went on to receive his Bachelor's in Education from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and his Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Illinois State University in Bloomington. He was a deeply dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He was a long-time member of First Evangelical Free Church and previously served as an executive elder. Doug served as Athletic Director at Belvidere High School as well as Palatine High School prior to his retirement. Doug was a member of the Illinois State and National Athletic Director's Association serving as President of the state association and was later inducted into the Illinois State Athletic Director's Hall of Fame. He coached a variety of sports with his true love being Football across the State of Illinois. He was awarded the NIC-10 Football Coach of the year in 1972, NIC-10 Track Coach of the year, as well as the Illinois State Athletic Director of the year. Doug was awarded and inducted into the Belvidere Football Hall of Fame as well as many other awards. His idea of a great Friday night, or any night, was seeing or taking in a football game. Later, he and Janet spent many hours watching college basketball. His legacy will live on through his dedication to the Belvidere community, and his devotion to his family and close friends. His greatest rewards in life were his seven grandchildren that he loved very much. He enjoyed horseback riding (especially his horses, Old Doc and Reba) and spending time with his wife, family and friends.

He is survived and will be missed by his wife of 60 years, Janet; their children, Dr. Meagan Ruth (Brent) Heilman and grandchildren Gwen and Drew, Todd Douglas (Mardi Jo) Chapman and grandchildren Tralee, Mason, and Tyson, and Jill Renee (Steve) Bimmerle and grandchildren Hannah and Sarah; brothers, Keith (Marilyn) Chapman, Danny "Boone" (Debbie) Chapman, and brother-in-law; Joe Dean (Marilyn) Stritzel. He is also survived by cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members and friends whom he loved dearly.

He is welcomed into heaven by his parents, (Fern) Vidalene and (William) Ed; in-law parents, Joe and Fern Stritzel, brother-in-law, Tommy Stritzel, and sister-in-law Pamela Stritzel, as well as many special friends.

Mentor to many, substitute father to others, and a lover of all people. Contributions may be made in Doug's name to: Belvidere High School Booster Club, Belvidere North High School Booster Club, or the Boone County 4-H Horse Program.

A visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m., Friday, March 17th, 2023, at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere, IL 61008. The funeral service will be at 12 p.m. with a visitation prior at 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, March 18, at First Evangelical Free Church, 2223 N Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL 61107. There will be a luncheon following the service on Saturday. Burial will be private. To share a memory, please visit www.andersonfcs.com .