Harold L. Chase

Marion Harold L. Chase, 89, passed away on Tuesday, January 17 2006 at 2:20 A.M. at his home in Marion. Mr. Chase was born March 23, 1916 in Marion, Illinois to Walter Chase & Altha (Ozment) Muir. He married Geneva Todd Spence on August 21, 1943 in OFallen, Illinois and together they shared over 62 years of marriage. She preceded him in death on January 5, 2006. Mr. Chase was President of Giles Electric Company in Marion where he had begun working at age 16 as a janitor. He was always very active in his church and community. Mr. Chase had attended Aldersgate United Methodist Church for 78 years and had been a member for 73 years, he had served most every office in the church. He established the Homebuilders Sunday School Class in 1959 and served as delegate to the Church Annual Conference for over 20 years. He sang in the Mens Quartet and the Choir, and was a member of the Gideon Society for over 30 years, he led the effort to purchase land and build the new facility on Fair Street. Mr. Chase was involved with the Boy Scouts for 75 years and had served as President of the Egyptian Council and received the Silver Beaver Award. He was a member of the Marion Rotary Club since 1951 with perfect attendance and received the clubs highest award, the Paul Harris Fellow. He was President of the Marion Chamber of Commerce and named Man of the Year in 1970. Mr. Chase served for several years as member of the Marion Unit 2 School Board and member of the Bank of Marion Board for 15 years. Survivors include: Son Jeff Chase and wife Nancie of Matthews, NC Four Daughters; Sara Nielsen and husband Bill of Marion Nancy Duddy and husband Hugh of Westfield, NY Alice Seavers and husband Kent Seavers of Lake of Egypt Julie Anna Chase of Marion Seven Grandchildren: Laura & Bryan Steh of Atlanta, GA Allison & Eric Fowlie of Nashville, TN Amy & James Bodnar of Paducah, KY Alan Chase of Nashville, TN Kathryn Duddy of Manhattan, NY Sean Seavers of Lake of Egypt Connor Seavers of Lake of Egypt Three Great Grandchildren: Bailey, Madison & Dillon Steh of Atlanta Brother and Sister-in-law James F. & Glenda Muir of Pleasanton, CA Several Nieces & Nephews Preceded by Parents, Wife Geneva, Grandchild Colin Seavers, Funeral services will be Saturday, January 21, 2006 at 1:00 P.M. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church with Revs Roger Perry, Joye Perry and Roger Russell officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 9:00 P.M. at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion and from Noon until the time of service on Saturday at the Church. For those who prefer memorials may be given to Hospice of Southern Illinois or Beulah Holiness Campground of Eldorado. Envelopes will be available at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home.