Virgil J. Chase

KEYSTONE -- Virgil J. Chase died November 17, 2006 at his home in Keystone, SD. He was born January 15, 1923 in Sioux City, IA, to Vello A. Chase and Florence Stevens. In 1931 he moved to Page, Nebraska where he joined the family of Bert and Evelyn Gray with their three daughters and two sons. He attended and graduated from Page High School in 1941 and the following year he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He served in the 15th Air Force as a flight engineer and ball turret gunner completing 55 combat missions over Germany, Romania, and France and was discharged in 1946. He obtained his FAA mechanic and pilots license from the University of Omaha and then married Betty Lou Cox in Plainview, Nebraska on May 2, 1948. The following year they moved to the Black Hills and settled in Keystone. In their house on the hill they raised three children, enjoyed many good friends and lived a very good life. Virgil was a member and past master of Mt. Aetna Masonic No. 128, a member and past patron of OES chapter No. 55, and a member of United Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by his wife Betty. He is survived by one brother, Duane Gray of NE, son Steven Chase and family of Rapid City, son Robert Chase and family of Keystone, and daughter Beverly Dawkins and family of Bellingham, WA, six grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and Dutchess and BB his beloved dogs. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, November 20, 2006 at Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City and one hour before services at the church. Services will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 21 at the United Church of Christ in Keystone with Pastor Barb Gammeter officiating. Inurnment will be at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22 at the Mountain View Cemetery in Keystone. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to Hospice of the Hills. Friends and family may sign Virgil's online guest book at www.kirkfuneralhome.com.