John Earl Chase

John Earl Chase of Vista, California passed away at his home the afternoon of December 13, 2018.  He was 93 years old. 

He was born September 15, 1925, in Los Angeles, California, eldest son of Sisson Earl Chase and Loretta Thorpe.  He graduated from George Washington High School.  He attended college at UC Berkley, UCLA, Redlands University and South College of Optometry, receiving a Doctor of Optometry degree. 

He served as Ensign in the Navy at the close of World War II, November 1943 to August 1946 with assignments at Guam and occupied Japan.  After the military, he served a Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Northern US States Mission for two years in 1946 to 1948.

He married Mildred (Millie) McFerran on June 2, 1950 and began a optometric practice.  They lived in South Los Angeles having 7 children, one David who died a few days after birth.  John served as Bishop of his church congregation in 1958 to 1964.  Later they moved to Palos Verdes.  In retirement, He and his wife have lived in Vista, California.

While he was a dedicated provider through his optometric practice, outside of work most of his time was spent in family activities and volunteer service.  Part of that service included working with Cambodian immigrants in Long Beach and a service mission in Santa Rosa, California.

He is survived by his dear wife of 68 years, Millie Chase and six adult children: Jaynann, Stephen, Bryan, Mark, Karen and Chris; and three of his surviving siblings: Shirley Stousenberger, Jim Chase and Ken Chase.

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