Billy Lee Chase, Sr.

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He had been smitten with Penny from their very first meeting at the Rock Quarry.

Billy Lee Chase, Sr., passed away peacefully following a short illness on November 13, 2026, at a Gower, MO, care facility.

Funeral service will be on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. Visitation with the family will be prior to the service beginning at 10:30 a.m. He will be laid to rest at the Kickapoo Memorial Cemetery, south of Atchison. Memorials may be left to the Kickapoo Memorial Cemetery, in care of the funeral home.

Bill was born April 19, 1943, in Atchison, the first of five children born to Clara R. (Meidinger) Chase and Floyd Chase. His father was serving overseas during World War II at the time of his birth and from the very beginning, Bill was the apple of his mother's eye. Once Floyd finished his military service, they moved to Doniphan, which continued to be a place he loved his entire life.

Bill was an excellent student, both academically and athletically. His strong work ethic was evident even as a young boy, helping his parents with the many responsibilities of tobacco farm life. He also developed a love for vehicles at an early age, long before he was old enough to drive. That passion stayed with him throughout his life.

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Bill enjoyed the simple pleasures in life.

In 1960, Bill joined the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. It didn't take him long to realize that life without his sweetheart, Penny, simply wasn't the life he wanted. He saved his leave time and money so he could return home and marry her on April 21, 1962, at the First Christian Church in Troy, KS. He had been smitten with Penny from their very first meeting at the Rock Quarry. Together, they built a life, raised a family, and created a lifetime of memories.

Bill was determined to provide a good life for his family. That determination led him to take college courses while advancing through the ranks at Rockwell. Bill and Penny also seemed to have a bit of a nomadic spirit. They would find a house, make it their own, fix it up just the way they liked it, and eventually move on to their next project. The Chase family moved quite a few times over the years, always making each house a home.

Billy is survived by his children, Kevin (Karla) Chase, Billy L. Chase, Jr., and Debi (Keith) Stern; his sisters, Diana (Don) Stone, Joan (Jerry) Dove; his brother, Gary (Linda) Chase; five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Just as Bill and Penny were beginning to enjoy the life they had worked so hard to build in retirement, Penny was diagnosed with cancer. Bill became her devoted caregiver, honoring her wish to remain at home. He cared for her and kept her comfortable at home for as long as he could, staying by her side until it was time to say goodbye. His love and devotion to Penny never wavered, she preceded him in death on February 24, 2014. He is also preceded in death by his parents and brother, George Chase.

Learning to build a life without his beloved Penny was not easy. In time, Bill found a new rhythm and became especially close to his son, Kevin. They were truly two peas in a pod.

Bill enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. He looked forward to going to breakfast every morning and could often be found sitting in his garage, watching the day go by. He lived in his home in St. Joe longer than any other place, and over the years, his neighbors became like family.

Bill also had a special place in his heart for animals. He seemed to know every dog that walked down the street, and they all knew that if Bill's garage door was open, they were welcome to stop by for a treat. He loved nature and all kinds of critters, and there were very few years of his life when he didn't have a dog or cat by his side.

Bill was also fiercely independent, living life on his own terms and finding comfort in the routines and familiar places he loved.

Bill's life was defined by hard work, determination, devotion to family, and a love for the simple things. He leaves behind memories that will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Bill's idea of heaven was the Happy Hunting Ground and running with the wolves. We hope he is now reunited with those who went before him, enjoying the peace, freedom, and beauty of the place he imagined. May he find familiar faces, beloved companions, and all the critters he so dearly loved along the way.