Howard Chase formerly of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died February 6, 2009, in Denver, Colorado, at the age of 83 years.

Howard Chase was born on August 8, 1925, in Tonkawa, Oklahoma, to Clyde and Vida Chase. His first home was in Eddy, Oklahoma. Howard was the older of two children having a younger sister (Dorothy Ann Jones).

After High School, Howard went to Northern Oklahoma Junior Collage in Tonkawa, Oklahoma where he studied Arts and Science. That is when he met his wife to be at a church youth group for college students (Ruth Avis Payton) daughter of Walter and Neva Payton of Blackwell, Oklahoma. They both shared an interest in music and with other friends formed a band in college. Howard played the coronet and Ruth played the kettledrums. Ruth studied music at the same college.

Howard and Ruth were united in marriage on July 13, 1947 in the Blackwell United Methodist Church. While living in Tonkawa, they had there first daughter, Karen. After seven years they moved to Derby Kansas. In 1958, Howard, Ruth and Karen moved to Denver, Colorado. Once again, Ruth and Howard were blessed with a daughter, Kathy. They lived there for four years before moving to Alexander, Virginia. After a short six months stay, the family moved on to Santa Maria, California for three years. In 1969, Howard moved his family back to Lakewood, Colorado where Ruth wanted to be.

Howard worked his way up through the 32nd degree of The Masons before becoming an El Jebel Shriner. He joined many groups. He retired from his SBA Job with the Government on December 30, 1988. Howard enjoyed helping and supporting the Children's Shrine Hospital. He was very proud of what the Shrine Hospital could do to help the children in need.

Howard was a long time member of the Elks Lodge, #1777 in Lakewood, Colorado. He enjoyed dancing at the club and held several offices.

Howard loved gardening. In particular, he loved and cared for his rose garden. You would never see rose plants that were more spoiled than the children.

Howard loved to dance, and be around people. He enjoyed his grandchildren and his great grandchildren by attending birthday parties, school activities, and watching them in there dancing or sports.

Howard has been very blessed in his life, and has been a great blessing to many around him. After Ruth passed away, he had to work hard at being busy and happy, but with all the support of friends and family, he found a lot of happiness, stayed busy when he wanted to and learned how to avoid it if he wasn't up to it.

He is survived by a daughter, Kathy Hammer and husband Jeff of Lakewood, Colorado; a son-in-law, Ed Payne of Greeley, Colorado; six grandchildren, Jennifer Faatz of Loveland, Colorado, Levi Payne of Greeley, Colorado, Shaun Payne of Greeley, Colorado, Briana Hammer of Grand Junction, Colorado, Brittany Hammer of Lakewood, Colorado, and Brycen Hammer of Lakewood, Colorado; two great grandchildren, Elex and Trinity Payne of Loveland, Colorado; a sister, Dorothy Ann Jones of Dallas, Texas; two nephews, Randy Jones of Texas, and Kent Jones of Rockwall, Texas; a cousin, Neal Leffler of McAlester, Oklahoma; and many dear friends.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Karen Payne; a brother-in-law, Bob Jones; and several aunts and uncles.

Graveside services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Monday, February 16th in the Blackwell Cemetery with the Rev. Robert Foos of the Nardin Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery.