Robert Lee Chaplin

Robert Lee "Dutch" Chaplin
Died on May 30, 2011 in Dayton, Ohio of a pulmonary embolism at the early age of 75.

Born in Dayton, Ohio May 19, 1936 to Elmer & Velma Chaplin. Robert was a rambunctious child and excelled at football, playing for Stivers High School. The other players gave him the nickname "Dutch" because of his "Dutch-like" facial features and his blonde hair. His hobbies as a kid included marble shooting and yo-yo-ing, both at which he won neighborhood contests.

Dutch joined the Air Force in 1959 with his high school friends, Mike Zimmer "Zim" and Howard Jones, "Lightnin" (deceased), who declared themselves as the "Three Bad Pennies" and remained lifelong friends. He was a boom operator on a KB-50. There he met more lifelong friends Woody, and PeeWee. He also met his first wife, Beatrice Jones, who was in the Army. They had four children, Robert Jr., Darryl, Lance, and Belinda. After leaving the Air Force, he worked for Frigidaire and General Motors for 36 years.

His devotion as a father showed as he coached at every opportunity, even when he didn't have all the skills needed. But he learned while working 12 – 16 hours a day 5 – 7 days a week.

His last 21 years have been spent with his loving wife Irene, watching his grandchildren be born and grow, spending time with his family and providing service throughout his community.

Dutch Chaplin took up the torch as a Mason, with his work launching him to the rank of Worshipful Master, West Milton Lodge # 577. He was a staunch advocate of Veterans Rights and Benefits. Dutch held appointment on the Veterans' Service Commission, serving more than five years. He served as an active member of The Eagles, VFW Post # 9582, 40&8, and AMVETS Post # 24. He served as a Color Guard member and Captain for several years honoring hundreds of Veterans who served from WWII to the Gulf War. He was very active in the Dayton Airport USO, volunteering weekly and serving as the Treasurer, as well as numerous other organizations.

Dutch attended Stillwater United Methodist Church, and is Christian in Faith, also volunteering his time helping those in need.

Dutch is survived by his wife, Irene, his sons & daughters-in-law, Robby & Sherry, Dac & Laurie, Lance & Tracy, Steve. His daughter, Belinda, his stepdaughter, Sherrie, his grandchildren, Christina, David, Ali, Austin, Delanie, Dakota, Reese, Hannah, Ivee, Morgan, Skylar, and Shae, his sister Phyllis & Earl, and her children Connie & Rick, Tom & Linda.

You can memorialize Dutch by shaking a Veterans hand and thanking the Veteran for the freedoms you enjoy and the sacrifices they have made. That would put a smile on Dutch's face! Dutch was much loved by his family, and many close friends, and will be sadly missed, but always remembered.

The family will receive visitors at a Memorial Service to Honor and Celebrate his life, on Saturday, June 4, 2011 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the VFW Post # 9582, 4170 Old Springfield Road, Vandalia, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family feels it appropriate that donations be made to the Dayton International Airport USO chapter to help support our Military Troops.