State Staff

Tommy F. Chapman
Executive Officer

Tommy Frank Chapman was born in Port Arthur, Texas to Edward E. Chapman, Sr. and Anna Y. Chapman. He married Kathy on May 10, 1985.

Tommy and Kathy are the parents of two children: Katie Rendon and Chance Chapman. Katie is married to Timothy Rendon, who is also a member of Nederland Lodge. The Chapmans are members of First Baptist Church in Nederland, Texas. Following his graduation from Nederland High School in 1980 Tommy attended McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana and Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. He has one granddaughter, Emmie, and one grandson, Ellis.

Tommy went to work for the Jefferson County Sheriff Department in 1985 and retired in May 2019. He has earned two Masters Certificates from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education.

Tommy was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on May 10, 1983 in Nederland Lodge No. 1368. He served as Worshipful Master of Nederland Lodge in 1990-1991. Tommy was presented with the Golden Trowel Award for Exceptional Service by Nederland Lodge in 2002. He was presented with his Class A Life Certificate in 2022. Tommy served as District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District No. 26-A in 1995. He served on the Grand Lodge Committee on Petitions in 1992 and served on the Grand Lodge Youth Activities Committee from 2005 until 2011, serving as Chairman in 2008, 2010, and 2011 and Vice-Chairman in 2009. Tommy served as Grand Master Conference Chairman in 2003. He served as Area Coordinator for the Grand Master in 2006. He also has served as Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Benin near the Grand Lodge of Texas from 2006 until 2018 and as the Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Florida since 2018.. Tommy was appointed to the Texas Masonic Youth Foundation in 2007 and serves on the Grants Committee. He also served on the Special Assignments Committee in 2009 and as its Vice-Chairman in 2010. He was again appointed to serve as Chairman on the Youth Activities Committee in 2013 and 2014. He was appointed Special Deputy to the Most Worshipful Grand Master in 2013. He became a full member of the Sam Houston Hall of Fame in 2018. He is also a member of the Former Texas Rangers - John B. Jones Masonic Rangering Co. and was appointed Major. He was elected a director of the Texas Masonic Home and School in 2020. He was elected Grand Junior Warden in December 2014, Grand Senior Warden in December 2015, Deputy Grand Master in January 2017, and Most Worshipful Grand Master in January 2018.

Tommy was exalted in the Port Neches Chapter No. 436, Royal Arch Masons and served as High Priest in 1992-1993. He received the Order of High Priesthood in 1992. Tommy served on the Grand Chapter Credentials Committee in 1995.He served as District Deputy Grand High Priest for Capitular District No. 5 in 2000. He also served on the Grand Chapter Committee on Grievances and Appeals from 2007-2009. Also, he served on the Grand Officers Reports Committee in 2009. He was appointed to the Purposes and Polices Committee in 2014 and served as Chairman in 2015, 2016, and 2019. In 2010, he was appointed as Grand Representative of the Grand Chapter of Montana near the Grand Chapter of Texas. He was elected Right Excellent Grand Scribe in 2009, Right Excellent Grand King in 2010, Right Excellent Deputy Grand High Priest in 2011, and Most Excellent Grand High Priest in 2012. He was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Committee on Work in early 2019 and was elected to a full term in December 2019 and received his Life Certificate in 2020.

Tommy was greeted in Port Neches Council No. 413, Royal and Select Masters and served as Thrice Illustrious Master in 1993-1994. He received the Order of the Silver Trowel in 1993. Tommy served as District Deputy Grand Master for Cryptic District No. 5 in 1997. He served on the Grand Council By-Laws Committee from 1999-2003 and served as Chairman of that committee in 2004. He served on the Grand Council Purposes and Policies Committee in 2005. Tommy served as Illustrious Grand Conductor of the Council in 2001 and again in 2005. He served as Special Deputy to the Grand Master in 2005. He has served the Grand Council as Grand Representative of the Grand Council of Portugal near the Grand Council of Texas since 2005. Tommy was elected Right Illustrious Grand Principal Conductor of the Work in 2005, Right Illustrious Deputy Grand Master in 2006, and Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Texas in 2007. He received the Cryptic Triangle Award in 2009. He served on the Finance Committee from 2009-2014.and served as the Co-Chairman in 2013. He then served on the Jurisprudence Committee for a full five year term. He was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Committee on Work in early 2019 and was elected to a full term in December 2019 and received his Life Certificate in 2020.

Tommy was elected as Vice-President of the York Rite Esoteric Association in 2009. In 2010, he was elected to serve as President.

Tommy was knighted as a Knight Templar in Port Arthur Commandery No. 73 and is a dual member of Beaumont Commandery No. 38. He served as Commander of Beaumont Commandery in 2000. He was appointed to the Grand Commandery Dispensations and Charters Committee in 2001. He became a member of the Sovereign Order of the Knights Preceptor in 2011 with his father and son. He was appointed to serve on the Jurisprudence Committee in 2011. He received the Excalibur Award in 2012 from Port Arthur Commandery No. 73. He is serving the Grand Commandery as Grand Representative of the Grand Commandery of Illinois near the Grand Commandery of Texas. He served as Vice Chairman of the Templar Instruction Committee 2013-2014, and served as Chairman since 2015. He received the Knight Templar Cross of Honor in April 2014. In 2018, he was award the Knight Commander of the Temple in 2018. He was served as Commander of Port Arthur Commandery No. 73 in 2019. He was awarded the Commander’s Distinguished Service Medal. His Commandery was awarded the Fred M. Gilbough Plaque for receiving the highest grade in Asylum Ritual for the Inspection during his term of office. He was elected to the progressive grand line in 2020 and is currently the Eminent Grand Sword Bearer of the Grand Commandery, Knights Templar of Texas.

Tommy is a member of Texas College, Societas Rosicruiana In Civitatibus Foederatis.

Tommy is a member and served as Puissant Sovereign of the San Felipe Conclave Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine in 2011. He received the Red Cross of Constantine in 1998.

Tommy received the Knight of York Cross of Honor in 2001 and is a member of Thomas H. Ridout Priory No. 75. He received the Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests in 2006 and is a member of Resurrection Tabernacle No. XXI.He served as Preceptor in 2019 and was elevated, constituted, and coroneted a Knight Commander.

He became a member of Southeast Texas York Rite College in 2003 and is a Past Governor. He received the Order of the Purple Cross in 2013. He was appointed Deputy Grand Governor of Texas in 2016.

He joined Anson Jones Council No. 47, Knight Masons, and Sam Houston Council No. 275 Allied Masonic Degrees on July 31, 2019.

Tommy is a member of the Galveston Scottish Rite Bodies. He is Degree Master of the 6th and 15th Degrees and Assistant Degree Master of the 28th Degree, and he has served as Assistant Degree Master of the 32 Degree. He served on the Reunion Staff and works on several Degree teams. He served on the Scholarship and Membership Committees. He served as President of the Mid-South Jefferson County Club in 2000. He has served on the Maundy Thursday and Re-Lighting of the Tapers teams since 1996. Tommy served as Wise Master in 2003, Venerable Master in 2004, Master of Kadosh in 2005, and Commander- Council of Kadosh in 2011. He served on the Executive Committee from 2003-2005 and 2011. He was honored with the Knight Commander Court of Honor in 1999 and was coroneted a Thirty-Third Degree Inspector General Honorary in 2003.

Tommy is a member of El Mina Shriners and served as President of Mid-Jefferson County Shrine Club in 2016-2017.

He joined the National Sojourners in the Grand Master's Chapter in 2018, and the Heroes of 76 in 2019.

Tommy is a member of Nederland Chapter No. 1079 Order of the Eastern Star. He served as Worthy Patron in 1999-2000, 2014-2015 and 2020-present. He served on the Grand Chapter of Texas Masonic Centurion Committee in 1999-2000. He also served on the Grand Chapter of Texas Spring Fling Committee 2000-2001, Arrangements Committee- Security 2011-2012, Roping in the Masons, District 4 Chairman in 2015-2016, Arrangements Committee- Security 2016-2017, and Masonic Liaison General Chairman 2019-present.

Tommy has served as an Adult Volunteer since 1997 and on the Advisory Board of Port Neches Assembly No. 159 International Order of the Rainbow for Girls from 2003-2013. He received the Grand Cross of Color Degree in 2001.

Tommy is a Life Member of DeMolay International. As an active DeMolay he served as Master Councilor of Nederland Chapter and was awarded the Past Master Councilor Meritorious Service Award. He also received the Representative DeMolay Award, Founders Membership Award, Blue Honor Key award, and the Lamp of Knowledge. He was knighted as a Sir Knight in the Houston Priory. He was elected and served as District Deputy State Master Councilor. He was also elected and served as South East Texas Area Master Councilor. He received the Degree of Chevalier in 1980. Tommy has served as Chairman of the Advisory Council of Nederland Chapter Order of DeMolay since 1993. He has received the Legion of Honor, Cross of Honor, and Advisor’s Honor Key. He was made an Honorary State Master Councilor of the Texas DeMolay Association by his son during his term. He is a Past State Commander of the Texas State Court of Chevaliers. He was elected an Honorary Member of the International Supreme Council of DeMolay International in 2013. In 2019, he was elected a Deputy Member of the International Supreme Council. He was awarded the Guild of the Leather Apron in 2019.

At Conclave 2019, he was named Deputy Executive Officer of Texas. He was appointed as the Personal Representative of the Grand Master on July 19, 2020. On September 19, 2020, he was elevated to Executive Officer. Dad Chapman was awarded the Executive Officer of the Year Eagle Award from the International Supreme Council at the 2022 Session in Orlando, FL.

Steven Wayne Seymour 
State Treasurer

Steven Wayne Seymour was selected the State Treasurer of the Texas DeMolay Association on July 20, 1997. Steven is a Past Master Councilor and earned the PMC- Meritorious Service Award at Sam B. Cantey, Jr. Chapter No. 1840 in Bellaire Texas. In addition, he served as Illustrious Knight Commander and earned the PIKC- Meritorious Service Award of Houston Priory No. 194. He is a Past State Illustrious Knight Commander, serving in 1980-1981. He also served as the Gulf Coast Area Master Councilor and is a Past District Deputy State Master Councilor. He has received the Leadership Correspondence Course, Representative DeMolay Award, Blue Honor Key, Medal of Appreciation, Legion of Honor, Cross of Honor and the Degree of Chevalier. He was recognized as the Priory Advisor of the Year for 1983-1984. He also served as Director of Knighthood under Past Executive Officer Arthur Roberts. He is a Charter Member of the International DeMolay Alumni Association. Dad Seymour is a Past Chapter Advisor of Houston Chapter No. 201 and currently serving as Chapter Advisor for Reagan Chapter No. 203.
Dad Seymour was raised a Master Mason at Bellaire Masonic Lodge No. 1336 and holds an Endowed Membership. In addition, he has dual membership with Northwest Lodge No. 1434. He is an endowed member of the Houston Scottish Rite bodies, Arabia Shrine Temple, Chinar Grotto, Houston Court Order of Amaranth. He is a Past Royal Patron for the Houston Court and a Deputy Supreme Royal Patron for the Order of Amaranth.

Dad Seymour was active with both of his children in the YMCA Indian Guide and Indian Princess program. He served as tribal chief twice and nation chief once in that organization. In addition, he has coached YMCA t-ball, baseball, soccer, and basketball. He has served on the board of his homeowners association as President. He attends regularly Northwoods Presbyterian Church. In addition to worship, he finds time to play the trumpet in the church band, lead youth retreats, and teach Sr. High Sunday School and Sr. High confirmation.

Dad Seymour is married to Angela Kay Seymour and has two children, Randall and Melanie. Angela is a Past Worthy Advisor of Melrose Assembly, Past Chapter Sweetheart of Wilbourn Chapter, Past Royal Matron of Houston Court Order of the Amaranth and Deputy Supreme Royal Matron Order of the Amaranth. Dad Seymour has a Bachelor's degree from the University of Houston in Computer Science. Presently he is the Manager of Corporation Applications for Administaff.

Tommy Chance Chapman
State Scribe/State Registrar

Tommy Chance Chapman was born July 11, 1989 in Nederland, Texas to Tommy and Kathy Chapman. He has one sister, Katie, who served Texas Rainbow in many Grand Offices including Grand Recorder. He graduated from Nederland High School in May 2007 and graduated with honors from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas on May 14, 2011 majoring in Accounting where he made the Dean’s List several times. He was a member and held leadership positions of several student organizations including the Accounting Society and Beta Alpha Psi, an Accounting Honor Fraternity. He was employed by the City of Beaumont from January 2012 until June 2018 as a Grants Accountant and served as the Finance Section Chief for the Emergency Operations Center. Since then, he has been in the private sector and is the Comptroller of M&M Industrial Services, Inc. He is a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Nederland, Texas.

Brother Chapman was initiated into Nederland Chapter No. 3616 on July 14, 2001. He held numerous offices, including Scribe for several years, and was installed as Master Councilor on October 21, 2002. He was installed again on July 7, 2003 and March 2, 2004. He was awarded the Past Master Councilor’s- Meritorious Service Award during his first term. Brother Chapman has been awarded the Representative DeMolay Award, the Founder’s Membership Award, the Blue Honor Key, the Distinguished Service Award, and has successfully completed the Leadership Correspondence Course. As an Active DeMolay, he won numerous Ritual competitions on the State level. He was honored to serve as District Deputy State Master Councilor in 2003 and again in 2004. He was elected to serve as State Senior Councilor in 2005. He was again elected to serve as Deputy State Master Councilor in 2006. On July 21, 2007, Brother Chapman was elected to serve and installed as the 78th State Master Councilor of the Texas DeMolay Association in Austin.

On July 14, Sir Knight Chapman was invested into Houston Priory No. 194 at the State-wide Investiture held at Conclave 2006. He is a Past Illustrious Knight Commander. On July 11, 2009, he was installed as the 61st State Illustrious Knight Commander of the Texas State Priory in Austin.

Brother Chapman was elevated to the rank and honor of Chevalier on July 14, 2007. He is a Past Commander of Golden Triangle Court of Chevaliers and served as State Commander of the Texas State Court of Chevaliers in 2015-2016. Additionally, on July 14, 2016, he was invested with the active Legion of Honor. Shortly thereafter, he became a founding member of Edward E. Chapman, Sr. Preceptory, named after his grandfather, and has served as the Secretary since it was founded. He received the Cross of Honor on August 24, 2019.

Brother Chapman was raised a Master Mason in Nederland Lodge No. 1368 on September 25, 2007. He is a Past Master and is currently serving as Treasurer. He has served as the chairman of the Technology Committee and a member of the School of Instruction, Scholarship, and Audit Committees. In addition, he received the Golden Trowel from his lodge for the 2017-2018 year. He was appointed to serve on the Youth Activities Committee for the Grand Lodge of Texas in 2015 and has served as the Chairman and Vice-Chairman multiple times. He served as District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District No. 26-A in 2017. In 2018, he was the Assistant State Coordinator and Worshipful Grand Senior Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Texas for his father, Tommy F. Chapman, Most Worshipful Grand Master. He was appointed as District Education Officer for District 26-A in 2018 and 2021-2022. He served as President of the Southeast Texas Masters, Wardens, and Secretaries Association in 2018-2019. He was appointed to serve as Grand Representative of California near the Grand Lodge of Texas in 2018. He was appointed as Right Worship Grand Marshal and State Coordinator in 2022.

Companion Chapman was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Port Neches Chapter No. 436 on December 29, 2007 and is a Past High Priest. The Companions of Port Neches Chapter honored him with the Cornerstone Award in 2017. He received the Order of High Priesthood in October 2012 and is the current Excellent Grand Steward of that body. He proudly served the Most Excellent Grand Royal Chapter of Texas as State Coordinator and Excellent Grand Royal Arch Captain for his father, Tommy F. Chapman, Most Excellent Grand High Priest, during 2013. He was appointed Right Excellent District Deputy Grand High Priest of Capitular District No. 5 in 2014. He also served as Excellent Grand Captain of the Host in 2015 and again as Excellent Grand Royal Arch Captain in 2017. He served as Excellent Grand Marshal and State Coordinator for 2021.

Companion Chapman was greeted a Royal and Select Master in Port Neches Council No. 413 on December 29, 2007 and is a Past Thrice Illustrious Master. He received the Order of the Silver Trowel in October 2011. He was presented with the Cryptic Triangle Award during the 2013-2014 year. He served the Most Illustrious Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters as the Right Illustrious District Deputy Grand Master of Cryptic District No. 5 in 2013. He was appointed as the Grand Representative of Idaho near the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Texas in 2013. He served on the Recognitions, Honors, and Awards Committee. He served as Illustrious Grand Captain of the Guards in 2016 and as Illustrious Grand Conductor of the Council and State Coordinator in 2021. He was elected as a Director of the York Rite Development Board in 2017 and is the current President.

Sir Knight Chapman was knighted in Port Arthur Commandery No. 73 on March 31, 2008 and is a Past Commander. He has received the Order of Knights Preceptor in April 2011. He was also awarded the Commander’s Distinguished Service Medal for his term. His Commandery was awarded the J. C. Kidd Plaque for receiving the highest grade in Asylum Tactics for the Inspection during his term of office. He was elected to the progressive line of the Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Texas in April 2014 and is currently serving as the Very Eminent Deputy Grand Commander. He was appointed to the Long-Range Planning Committee from 2013-2017. He was appointed to serve as Grand Representative of Panama near the Grand Commandery of Texas in 2015.

Sir Knight Chapman was appointed as an Aide-de-Camp to Sir Knight Jack Harper, Right Eminent Grand Generalissimo, at the Triennial Conclave of the Grand Encampment of the United States of America in August 2021. He was also appointed a member of both the Membership and DeMolay Committees of the Grand Encampment.

On March 31, 2011, he was elected to receive membership and was initiated in Southeast Texas York Rite College No. 90, and he served as Preeminent Governor in 2021-2022. On February 4, 2012, he received membership in San Felipe Conclave, Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine and began the progressive line in 2018. He joined Sam Houston Council No. 275, Allied Masonic Degrees of the United States of America, and Anson Jones Council No. 47 Knight Masons, U.S.A. on July 31, 2019.

He received his Scottish Rite Degrees in March of 2009 and is the 28th Degree Master, Assistant Degree Master of the 6th Degree, and a member of the 15th Degree Team. He has served on the Maundy Thursday and Relighting of the Tapers Degree Teams since 2010.

Noble Chapman is a member of El Mina Shriners and joined September 15, 2015. He served as President of the Mid-Jefferson County Shrine Club in 2018 and has served as Secretary since 2020.

He was initiated into Nederland Chapter No. 1079, Order of the Eastern Star, on December 10, 2007 where he is a Past Patron and completed a 5 year term as Treasurer in 2017. He served the Grand Chapter on the “Young Americans” and “Faith In Our Future” Committees, both being associated with promoting the Masonic Youth of Texas, and also on the “Picnic on the Brazos” Committee. In 2016-2017, he served as District 4 Chairman of the Masonic Family Committee.

Dad Chapman was selected to serve the Texas DeMolay Association as State Scribe on July 14, 2011 and State Registrar of the Texas State Priory since July 14, 2017. He received the Guild of the Leather Apron at Conclave 2015. He was appointed District Governor in 2017. At the session of DeMolay International held in Dallas, Texas in 2021, he was elected a Deputy Member of the International Supreme Council.

Michael J. Cote, II
Assistant State Scribe

Michael Joyal Cote II was born February 18, 2000 in Fort Worth, Texas to Michael and Crystal
Cote. He is the oldest child with one younger sister, Emily. He graduated from Granbury High
School May 2018, where as a Junior he served Congressman Mike Conaway on the
Congressional Youth Advisory Council. Immediately after graduation, he continued his
education at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas where he received a Bachelor of
Arts degree in Political Science in December 2021. At his time at Tarleton, he made the Dean’s
List on multiple occasions, was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Outstanding Honor
Graduate for his field, and received invitational memberships in multiple Greek honor fraternities
as well as The National Society of Leadership and Success, The Society for Collegiate
Leadership & Achievement, Honor Society of Professional Network.

In his vocational life, he works as a drummer for various country music bands in the North Texas region, and has had the opportunity to work for artists such as Restless Heart, Randy Travis, and Doug Stone, and has been recorded on published albums and live radio. He had served as an advisor and consultant for multiple political campaigns and organizations. He is a member of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church. On August 9, 2020, he became a certified ordained minister through the Universal Life Church online program.

Brother Cote was initiated into Legacy Chapter in Midlothian, Texas on his twelfth birthday, later transferring to H. Malvern Marks Chapter in Fort Worth, Texas. He held nearly every office during his full 9 years as a DeMolay, including Scribe for many years. He was installed as Master Councilor twice; once in 2017 and another in 2019.

As an active, Brother Cote has been awarded the Representative DeMolay Award in 2015, The Founder’s Membership Award in 2019, the centennial Pro-Merito Award, completed the leadership correspondence courses, and earned a multitude of merit bars of all ranks. He additionally had been on winning teams in various ritual and athletics competitions including the
Frank Marshall Championship Tournament. At the 2019 Texas DeMolay Government Day, he was elected Speaker of the House. During the centennial year, he was honored to serve the constituents of District 2 as District Deputy State Master Councilor for State Master Councilor Noah Blair. He also has served in many appointed state roles including Chairman of Jurisprudence and Legislation Committee for 2018-2019 term and Chairman of Credentials Committee for the 2019-2020 year. As both an active and senior member, he served as Assistant to the Editor during the transition from “The Crown” to “The Texas Crown” newsletter and was later promoted to co-editor of “The Texas Crown” on June 1, 2021 where he continues that role. In May 2021, he became the 10th Charter Member of the Texas DeMolay Alumni Association.

March 17, 2018, Sir Knight Cote was the last member invested into D/FW Priory, before the name changed to Michie Brous Priory, where he served the first full term of Illustrious Knight Commander in 2018. He had served in multiple state appointed offices for the annual convocations. In 2019, he was named the State Priory Coordinator for State Illustrious Knight
Commander, K. Lee Klump.

Brother Cote was elevated to the rank and dignity of a Chevalier on June 23, 2018. He served as Commander of Ben F. Whitley Court of Chevaliers in 2019-2020 and has been serving as Secretary since the passing of his dear friend and mentor, Dad Curtis E. Waldrop 2021. Brother Cote also has served multiple grand appointments for the Texas State Court of Chevaliers.

Brother Cote was raised a Master Mason August 18, 2018 in Glen Rose Lodge No. 525 in Glen Rose, Texas. He is a plural member with Stockyard Lodge No. 1244 where he is currently Junior Warden, as well as a member of Tranquility Lodge No. 2000 where he joined on the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing. He served the Grand Lodge of Texas as Worshipful Grand Musician for the 2021-2022 year for Most Worshipful Grand Master, Kenneth C. Curry.

Companion Cote was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Tarrant Chapter No. 416 in Fort Worth, Texas March 16, 2019 and currently is holding elected office alongside his father.

Companion Cote was greeted as a Royal and Select Master in Tarrant Council No. 349 in Fort Worth, Texas on April 3, 2019, and received the Super Excellent Masters degree on June 22, 2019. He currently holds elected office in Tarrant Council alongside his father.

Sir Knight Cote was Knighted in Stephenville Commandery No. 100 on November 16, 2019.

On July 24, 2019, Brother Cote was elected to receive honorary membership into General William J. Worth Chapter No. 463 of National Sojourners during the organization's centennial year.

Noble Cote became a member of Moslah Shrine April 8, 2021.

Dad Cote serves on the Advisory Council for H. Malvern Marks Chapter as Council Secretary. Effective July 15, 2021, he has been serving the Texas DeMolay Association as the Assistant State Scribe.