Funeral service for Lloyd Wilmer Chase, 89, Lawton, will be 11:30 am, Friday, August 15, 2014, in the Becker-Rabon Funeral Home Chapel. Lloyd passed from this life to his eternal reward with God on August 10, 2014 at a local assisted living center after a long battle with cancer. He didn't lose the battle, he just got a better offer from God. Burial with military honors will be in the Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin. The family will receive friends from 7 pm to 8 pm on Thursday at the funeral home. He was born October 04, 1924 on a farm in Aliceton Township near Lisbon, North Dakota to Henry and Mable (Isaacson) Chase. He worked on the farm with his father, mother, and sisters. He was responsible in bringing the family farm into the 20th century, insisting that his father buy a tractor and not to continue to rely solely on their horses to plow and work the farm. While at Lisbon High School he played the trombone in the Pep Band, and graduated in 1942. In 1942 his country called upon him to serve America in what is now known as World War II. A member of the Greatest Generation, he served in the Navy from 1942 to 1946. His basic training was in Farragut, Idaho, followed by advanced aviation training in Norman, Oklahoma. In fact, although he was in the US Navy, he did not see the ocean until his was sent overseas to North Africa. He was an Aviation Ordnanceman Third Class, and served as the turret gunner in a submarine patrol plane. Following VE Day, he was shipped back through New York City and reassigned to the Pacific Fleet in California in preparation for the invasion of Japan. Although thankfully that invasion was averted, he did have many stories about his stent as shore patrol duty. It was during his advanced naval air training in Norman that he met and married his wife and mother of his future children, Etta Rae (McWaters) Chase. The Chase family eventually grew to include three children, Barbara, Michael, and Larry. After WW II he moved to Oklahoma City and went to work for OG&E. In 1950 he began working for SW Bell Telephone Company, from which he eventually retired after 31 years of service. Those 31 years were eventful. His initial job with SW Bell was as a lineman, setting poles and stringing telephone lines. In 1954 he moved his wife and (then) two children to Lawton, OK and after passing a rigorous test required for promotion, he moved to an inside job as a switchman. The remainder of his career with SW Bell was marked by a steady climb to management. In 1971 there was a strike in NYC by the local union, and with several other management workers across the country, he worked in NYC for almost a year to help provide telephone service while the strike could be resolved. By the time of his retirement in 1981, he had the responsibility for the western district of Oklahoma (everything west of I-35). But for the lack of educational opportunity, it is quite possible he would have made an outstanding electrical engineer. Following retirement from SW Bell, he started and maintained a lawn service, which he operated until he retired (again) at approximately age 70. While in Lawton, he was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, serving as Quartermaster for the local VFW Post 5362, garnering All State recognition. He was a lifetime member of the AT&T Pioneers, a volunteer network. He was baptized in (then) St. Margaret of Scotland Episcopal Church in March of 1986 with his son Dr. Larry Chase as his witness. He remained active in this church until its closure. He worked hard. It was not until approximately 1969 that he had progressed far enough at the telephone company that he was able to give up his second job in the meat department at a local grocery store. The long hours at work were a fact of life, but did not prevent him from enjoying life. He was an avid car, motorcycle, and boat enthusiast. In fact, he bought his last car, a new candy red Mustang in 2010 at the age of 85. He loved hunting and fishing. He loved animals and until he had to leave his house due to health problems, still bought food for the local wild birds, squirrels, and raccoons. He loved to travel. Trips included to most of the United States (he returned many years to Florida for the winter), Canada, Mexico, Germany, and of course the all expenses paid trip to Africa mentioned above. He will be remembered for many things by many people, but the recurring theme besides his kindness, graciousness and work ethic will be his deep baritone laugh and of course those Swedish blue eyes. Nobody will forget those eyes. He is preceded in death by his parents Henry and Mable (Isaacson) Chase, sisters Glenyce, Mary, Janyce, and his oldest son (and Vietnam Veteran) Michael Lloyd Chase. He is proudly survived by his daughter Barbara (Chase) Taylor of Oklahoma City, son and wife Dr. Larry and Nina Chase of Springfield, MO, and Rita McKay of Pflugerville, TX. Although the union of his son Michael and Rita (Ragan) Chase was not to be permanent, he always considered Rita an ongoing part of his family. The legacy also includes 11 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and 15 (soon to be 16) great great grandchildren. The family would like to thank the staff at BrookRidge Assisted Living Center as well as the staff of Faith Hospice and Around the Clock Home Care. The care provided to him was surpassed only by the care they showed for him. A note of gratitude is also due to Dr. Daryl Birdwell and his office staff, Lloyd's primary physician of over 25 years. To paraphrase 2 Timothy 4: 7-8, He fought the good fight, he finished the race, and he kept the faith. Rest in Peace Lloyd W Chase; we will miss you but you will be in our hearts forever.