COLUMBIA – Donald Gene Chase, known to many as Poppy, passed away at 85 years old on Wednesday, December 8, 2021. Don grew up in Oil Hill, Kansas, where he met his bride, Marilyn, of 65 years. He graduated from El Dorado High School in 1954 and Butler County Junior College in 1956. They were blessed with three children, Kandi, Randy and Angie.

While Don had a great career in the oil industry working for Cities Service and Oxy Petroleum, starting as a roustabout and retiring as a senior auditor, his main focus was his family and community. Don had a giving spirit, was always service driven and wanted to help others. He never met a stranger and would give the shirt off of his back to anyone in need. As such, he was involved in the local Civitan organization and also served as a deacon at several of the Christian churches he belonged to in various communities.

While Don had many contributions to the communities in which he resided, one of the most significant was championing the Title IX initiative in South Charleston WV to get equity in municipal sports programs for young girls. Don spent much of his time at track meets, ballet recitals, baseball, football, basketball and softball games, swim meets, coaching softball, serving on the board and as President of the Greater Charleston Swim Association. In retirement, he and Marilyn were often found watching their grandchildren’s ballgames, band events, cross country meets and golf tournaments. The couple retired to the beautiful beaches and quiet of Navarre Florida. Most often, Don could be found working in the yard, mowing one of the neighbor’s yards or helping with chores for those whose spouses were deployed as he continued to fulfill his needs to serve the community and be helpful to others.

Don was predeceased by his father, Thomas, and mother, Laura; sister, Vera and her husband, Mack. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; brother, Tom and his wife, Sarah; children, Kandi and her husband, Tim, Randy, and Angie; three grandchildren, Ashleigh, Clayton, and Taylor; three great-grandchildren; nieces, Cathy, Sharon, Valerie; nephews, Todd and Tim; and several great-nieces and nephews. Don was loved and will be missed by many. We would like to thank the staff at the Generations of Chapin Assisted

We would like to thank the staff at the Generations of Chapin Assisted Living Facility and Comfort Care Hospice for their care and love of Mr. Don. The family will have a private service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to

The family will have a private service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice to honor Don’s giving spirit.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, is assisting the family.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com