Edward Chase Jr.

Edward Richard Chase Jr. age 82 of West Branch, MI passed away Thursday, June 22, 2017 at the Toni & Trish House in Auburn, MI.

Memorial Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI, on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 1:00 P.M., with Pastor Doug Strait officiating.  Burial will take place at Fritz Cemetery, Gratiot County, MI.  Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2017 from 11:00 AM until the time of services at the funeral home.

Ed was born on November 6, 1934 the only son of Edward and Edna (Wilson) Chase of Ithaca, MI.  He grew up alongside his 8 sisters; Thelma, Beverly, Jean, Norma, Carol, Ruth, Fern and Dawn.  A 1953 graduate of Ithaca High School, he went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Army stationed in Ft. Hood, Texas and the Army Reserve receiving the National Defense Service Medal.  He returned to Gratiot County and worked for New Moon Homes, Diamond Reo and retired from Oxford Automotive in Alma in 1993.

Ed enjoyed time spent with his daughters and his grandchildren and was always interested in what mattered most to them.  He enjoyed taking care of his home and his summer garden.

Ed is survived by his daughters: Debra (Darrel) Fountain of Traverse City and Susan (Larry) Wheeler of Alma; 5 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters; Beverly, Jean, Fern and Dawn.

Memorials may be made to Toni & Trish House, PO Box 125, Auburn, MI 48611 or a Charity of the Donor's Choice. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI.