Kent Chase, the son of George M. and Opal Jean (White) Chase, was born on Dec. 27, 1947, in Beloit, Kan. Kent grew up in Courtland, graduating from Courtland High School, Class of 1966. Following high school, Kent attended Beloit Vo Tech, where he studied auto mechanics.

Kent served his country by enlisting in the US Navy, and proudly served two years in Vietnam as a SeaBee. While serving, he earned three bronze stars, and was honorably discharged in 1970.

After returning home from Vietnam, Kent was employed at Chase Service, Republic Oil Co., and Reinke Manufacturing. 

He enjoyed motocross and go-cart racing, as well as attending NHRA drag races, The Belleville Midget Nationals, and showing off his 1973 Chevy van in area car shows. He also went camping on numerous weekends relaxing at the lake. Later in life, he enjoyed his time watching sporting events.

He married Cathy D. Gates Pettit on May 23, 1985, at the Methodist Church in Republic.

Kent was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Paul Chase; in-laws, Rich and Cam Gates; sister-in- law, Lorie Waugh; and daughter, Michelle Kumbera.

Survivors are his wife, Cathy; son, Andy Kent Chase (Megan) of Miltonvale; Dawn Morley (Daniel) of Belleville; Cory Pettit (Jeannie Franson) of Clay Center, Kan .; Dani Isaacson (Troy) of Scandia; family friend, Wendy Pettit; grandchildren, Drew Morley (Morgan), Darci Morley (Brad Deneault), Harlan “Randy” Dal Bianco, Josh Mason (Josie), Tory Isaacson, Payton Isaacson, Taryn Isaacson, Kye Chase and Kyndra Chase; great-grandchildren, Colt and Addley Morley, Lela Mason, Theodore Mason and Freya Mason; brother, J.C. Field (Carol) of Salina; sister-in-law, Jana Chase of Beloit; brother-in-law Byron Gates (Theresa) of Hastings; sister-in-law, Joni Latham (Jesse) of Republic; and brother-in-law, Gerry Waugh of Mankato.

Friends may sign Kent’s book from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 30, at Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home in Belleville.

His funeral will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 31, at the United Methodist Church in Republic, with Pastor Lance Rundus officiating.

Private family inurnment will occur at the Burr Oak Cemetery, at a later date.

Memorials are requested to the United Methodist Church in Republic, or Solomon Valley Hospice, and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home of Belleville assisted the Chase family with these arrangements.