Richard Joseph Chase, 89, of rural El Dorado, Kansas passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2018. He was born October 8, 1928, the son of Edward and Ruth (Turpin) Chase. Richard graduated from El Dorado High School in 1946, Kansas State University in 1950, and attended graduate school at the University of Michigan. He was awarded a rotary fellowship and studied one year at the University of Bonn, Germany. Following his studies, he served as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Air Force during the Korean War as an intelligence officer in the Strategic Air Command. After returning home, he worked in the El Dorado school district where he met Faralane (Wentling) Chase. They were married on March 2, 1958.
Richard was a farmer/stockman his entire life and operated and managed Chase Ranch, a Century Farm. His career business accomplishments include helping start Flint Hills Beef Feeders Feedlot and charter Chisholm Trail State Bank. He was owner of Verus Bank and chaired its Board of Directors for over twenty years.
Richard Chase defined servant leadership with his many activities and interests in the community. He helped establish Butler Community College, El Dorado, Kansas as an original Board of Trustee. He served as Chairman of the Board of Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital, El Dorado, Kansas, served on USD 375 Circle School District School Board, was a member of the Kansas Livestock Meat and Industry Council, and was named Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity Man of the Century in 2000. Other involvement included Scenic El Dorado, Butler County 4-H, and Butler County Extension Council. Richard was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church and sang in the choir his entire life.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Ruth Chase, siblings Margaret Chase Timmerman and Edward M. Chase. He is survived by his wife, Faralane Chase. Other survivors include children, Lane (Harlan) Bitterlin, Kevin (Cindy) Chase, Cran (Kandi Chilcott) Chase, Chad (Segen) Chase, eleven grandchildren, and his sister Kathryn Chase. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Butler Community College Foundation - Richard and Faralane Chase Music Scholarship Fund or Trinity Episcopal Church, El Dorado, Kansas.
Visitation will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church on Sunday, February 18 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church on Monday, February 19 at 10 a.m. with graveside service to follow at Sunset Cemetery. Please sign his online guestbook and leave a memory of Richard at www.kirbymorrisfuneralhome.com .

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