The Honorable Ron Chapman, September 20, 1940-June 7,2026

The Honorable Ron Chapman, a distinguished, fiercely independent Texas jurist, passed away in Dallas on June 7, 2026, leaving an indelible mark on the Lone Star State's legal history. A longtime servant of justice, he was widely known for his sharp legal mind, unyielding commitment to the law, and deep friendships with countless judges, lawyers, political enthusiasts, and neighbors.

Ron was born on September 20, 1940, in Pittsburgh, TX. He grew up in Dallas and was in the first graduating class of Thomas Jefferson High School. Ron worked a variety of odd jobs, including driving a cab, to put himself through college and law school, both at Southern Methodist University. He started his legal career as a prosecutor under notorious Dallas County District Attorney Henry Wade and later joined the renowned criminal defense firm of Crowder & Mattox. In 1978, Ron was elected to Criminal District Court No. 1 in Dallas County, launching a remarkable judicial career that placed him at the center of some of the state's most high-profile criminal cases.

During an era when 24 judges in Dallas County switched political parties to align with changing partisan winds, Judge Chapman refused to compromise his values, proclaimed that a lifetime of principle outweighed temporary expediency, and twice won re-election to the District Court. Judge Chapman's steadfast integrity caught the attention of Governor Ann Richards, who appointed him to the Fifth District Court of Appeals in 1990. He subsequently won re-election across the seven-county region and served on the appellate bench until 2000. Throughout his tenure on the District Court and the Court of Appeals, Judge Chapman earned a reputation as a judicial powerhouse—formidable, highly respected, and profoundly fair.

Following a classy campaign for Congress in 2002 focused on the needs of working families rather than artificial labels, Judge Chapman's greatest judicial imprint was forged in retirement. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals appointed him to preside over the 2003 evidentiary hearing regarding the highly controversial 1999 drug busts in Tulia, Texas. The case was a national flashpoint: a rogue undercover officer had single-handedly arrested 10% of Tulia's Black population based on his uncorroborated and suspicious "notes," sending dozens of innocent citizens to prison for decades. Demonstrating courage and an unwavering commitment to civil rights, Judge Chapman found the officer's testimony was "riddled with perjury" and declared him "the most devious, non-responsive law enforcement witness this court has witnessed in 25 years on the bench in Texas." Judge Chapman recommended that the defendants who had been convicted based on the officer's discredited testimony receive a new trial. Within hours, the state's special prosecutor said the cases would be dismissed, adding that the entire debacle had been "a travesty of justice" and that the government made a mistake in relying on the uncorroborated testimony. Governor Rick Perry later pardoned those who were wrongly convicted, and Judge Chapman earned widespread national acclaim for confronting the systemic injustice.

An avid, lifelong sports fan, Ron coached local baseball, soccer, and football teams for many years and attended countless Rangers, SMU football, SMU basketball, Cowboys, Stars, Mavericks, Dallas Blackhawks, and Sidekicks games; Golden Glove boxing tournaments; and even "wrestling" matches at the Sportatorium. Following decades of public service, Ron and his beloved, devoted, and vibrant wife, Sally, relocated to Trinidad, Texas, to enjoy life along Cedar Creek Lake. Ever the active community member, he remained a passionate political activist and a fierce defender of social programs for his neighbors.

Ron is survived by his wife, Sally; his children, Charlyn Lambrecht and her husband Greg, and Ron Chapman, Jr. and his wife Beth; his sister, Linda Yates; and his cherished grandchildren, Caleb, Brianna, Brayden, and Kendall Lambrecht, and Ella and Abby Chapman. "Gramps" loved visits from and hearing about the accomplishments of his grandchildren, who will remember his contagious smile. He also leaves behind a vast community of legal professionals, colleagues, and citizens who remain forever grateful for his fairness, wisdom, and lifelong dedication to the rule of law.

Ron will be laid to rest at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin. The historic grounds serve as a lasting tribute to notable Texans who shaped the state's history. He will be remembered fondly and missed deeply every time his family and friends attend a baseball game, comment on the price of gas, or step through the doors to share a meal at the legendary Campisi's Egyptian Restaurant, where his photo hangs on the wall in the club room. Friends are invited to gather at Campisi's on Mockingbird on June 13, 2026, from 3:00-5:00 pm to remember Ron and have a slice of pizza in his honor.