HARLAN CHARLES CHASE, SR.
November 3, 1929 - October 3, 2023
Harlan (Hal) Charles Chase, Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and servant of Christ, left this world peacefully on October 3, 2023, carried in the arms of his Savior Jesus, whom he loved. His absence is felt strongly by his wife of almost 72 years, Shirley J. Chase, his two sons, Harlan (Chip) C. Chase, Jr. (Sharon), David R. Chase (Jane), and his daughter, Carol C. Iverson (Daniel), along with 16 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his second daughter, Martha E. Chase, and parents, Albert J. Chase and Florence Domke.
Hal’s life was characterized by service: 27 years of service to this country that he loved, fighting in two wars (Korea and Vietnam), retiring as a full colonel in the USMC. He was awarded numerous decorations in the Marine Corps including the Legion of Merit (with gold star in lieu of second award and Combat V for Valor), the Combat Action Ribbon, and the National Defense Service Medal. Hal then served in the corporate world with Computer Sciences Corporation and Arthur D. Little, which he gladly left to then serve the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church as a capital funding representative. Wherever he served, Hal loved developing meaningful and deep relationships with his co-workers, and looked for ways to generously bless those around him. He is remembered by his loving wife, Shirley, who was his faithful caregiver since a debilitating fall in 2017; he was her strong leader, her rock, and the love of her life. His children knew more of their heavenly Father’s love for them through Hal’s faithfulness, joy in giving, and consistent desire to keep growing in His love well into the later years of his life. Indeed, the legacy he has left for his progeny is characterized by a man who longed to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Our family is thankful to Bethany Lutheran Church, Hal’s home church in Waynesboro, the supportive staff at The Retreat at Fishersville, and McDow Funeral home for all those who have cared for him and us during these last years of his life.
We are comforted knowing Hal is enjoying his LORD, face to face, whole in body, mind, and spirit. A memorial service will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church, Fishersville, VA, on Sunday, October 22, 2023. A 3:00 reception will be followed by a 4:00 worship service in the sanctuary.
We invite those who knew Hal to join us in honoring the God he loved. For anyone wishing to post memories of Hal or messages to his family, we invite you to submit them here.
“In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Rafiki Foundation - Early Childhood Education at rafikiafrica.org
