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Obituary for CALVIN CHASE, SR.
Calvin Chase, Sr., affectionately known by his family as "Jed", and to others as "Big Daddy", "Mr. Chase", or "Mr. C", transitioned from his earthly life to be with the Lord on August 30, 2019, at Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C. Calvin was born on April 24, J940 in Huntingtown, MD to Joseph Chase, Sr. and Hazel Chase who preceded him in death. He was raised in Huntingtown with his siblings Elsie, Joe, Henry and Josephine. During his later years as a youth, he lived with Warren and Emma Brown. He always spoke about his many fond memories living with "Miss Emma" and how he enjoyed being raised with her children especially Chick, Leroy, Robert and Joe.
Calvin was educated in the public African American schools in Calvert County during the late 40's, 50's and 60's. It was at Brooks High School that he fell in love with his future bride, the former Mary Alice Parker. They were joined in Holy Matrimony on February 20, 1960. From their union they had six children: Douglas, Alice Marie, Brindle, Calvin, Jr., Kevin and Stephen.
Calvin worked various jobs during his lifetime, but during his early work days, he worked as shop mechanic assistant and school bus driver (Bus #105) for Gerard Motors (now known as Bayside Chevrolet). It was at Gerard where he developed his great work ethics. He went to work every day even though it was not a lot of money but it was enough to raise six children and have a stay-at-home wife. As time went on, Calvin realized having a job in Prince Frederick did not generate enough income for his growing family, so he joined Local #74 Laborer Union. He then travelled all over Maryland, D.C., and Virginia for employment with many construction companies (Whiting Turner, Thompkin, Clark, to name a few). This was one of the best chapters of his work career because he had the opportunity to make more money while meeting so many wonderful people. He would tell his family so many stories of the many things that happened during the workday-some funny, some sad, and some he figured he should not even repeat. Nevertheless, he enjoyed working with Charlie Penn, Jimmy Terry, Lorenzo Gross, Charles Weems, Samuel Weems, Leroy Blake, Gregory Jones, Johnny Watts, the late Sidney Brooks and William Chase, just to name a few.
After retiring from the union, Calvin enjoyed being retired, but just had to be busy doing something so he went back to being a bus driver for the Tri-County Head Start. This was the joy of his life - working with children while meeting new people and being on the road and not just sitting in the house all day. Working for Tri-County Head Start was really rewarding for him because he took pride in picking up his little people every day (right on time). He made sure Bus #22 was the cleanest bus on the road. You could find him after church on Sundays washing his bus off, painting the tires, and scrubbing the inside of the bus so his little people would have a clean bus on Monday morning. He enjoyed picking up little people like Taylor Johnson, Shylar Thompson, Princess and Skyler, Kody, and many more. Tri-County Head Start realize he was a true asset to the organization and awarded him as the "2010 Employee of the Year". He really enjoyed working with his co-workers Ephonia Wills, Jean Mackall, Pam Jones, Shemeka Jones, Sarah Parker and the late Dorinda Jones. He retired from Tri-County Head Start in year 2011 because of health concerns.
Calvin was very proud to be a husband, father and grandfather. He loved his wife Alice of fifty-nine years. Sometimes he knew she was tired and didn't feel like doing much, he would tell her to lay down and watch her soaps. Calvin enjoyed being a father to his six children. He taught his children the old school way - that the world didn't owe them anything, they had to work for the things they wanted in life. His children made him very proud of them, especially Stephen when he earned his PhD and retired from the Air Force. He was especially proud to have grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They brought him so much joy over the years. Now they can continue his legacy by working hard and doing what's right.
Calvin joined St. John United Methodist Church where he truly enjoyed being an Usher and singing with the male choir. When his health declined after his leg being amputated, he truly missed his ushering duties and singing with the men. Because of the many friendships and love his church family had for him; he did not have any regrets that he could no longer be active at the church. He was always so happy when the men came by the house to fellowship with him. He especially enjoyed the last visit when some of the men from the choir came by and sang to him and brought him some fish. He especially enjoyed his visits from Miss Constance Johnson and her son Terry. He looked forward to seeing them each and every visit.
Calvin was a very particular person about everything--neat and clean was his goal always. He was known for his nice haircut and clean-cut beard, his walk, nice clothes, his voice and his clean automobiles. He was a Baltimore Raven fan and enjoyed the football season. Calvin loved joking with his family and friends. He would always have something for you to do, and he wanted to give you his instructions on how to do it. He was a fun and loving person to all he met.
Even though Calvin's health started failing him more, he never complained about being amputated or not being fully able to do for himself. Sometimes he would try so hard to do something but his breathing wouldn't allow him to do it. We watched him leave his earthly home on August 12 to go to Calvert Hospital and then to Washington Hospital Center not knowing that he was moving to his new home in Heaven. His family already misses him because he always sat at the head of the table and he was the head of the household. Now we must spend our future holidays and family events without him but we will never forget what he taught us. As for his wife, she will no longer hear him say "I wish Brenda Commodore never taught you to say 'You are a piece of work'!!!" This was one of their favorite jokes.
Calvin leaves to cherish his memories and legacy, his wife Mary Alice Chase of 59 years, his children: Douglas Gray (Althea), Brindle Hutchins (Sammy), Calvin Chase, Jr. (Cynthia), Kevin Chase, and Dr. Stephen Chase (LaShawne); 12 grandchildren: LaKeesha Wilson (Mickey), TeNe Gray, Douglas Gray, Jr. (Naughty'a), Tiffany Gray, Shanae Gray, Quianna Chase (Alan), Calvin Chase III (Shonte), Teara Gray, Tynika Chase, Darius Gray, Shayla Chase, and Dominique Chase; 5 great-grandchildren: Zola Briscoe, Kameron Chase, Zahri Briscoe, Kyle Chase, and Zemira Gray; one sister, Josephine Chase; one brother-in-law Kenneth Parker, Jr. (Lorraine); one sister-in-law Virginia Parker; special cousins Joseph Jones, Rodney Thomas, and Carl Coates; special friends Charles Weems, William Hutchins, Jeremiah Hutchins, Nancy Jones, Thomas Commodore, Calvin and Rosa Mae Rice, and a host of many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Calvin was preceded in death by his daughter, Alice Marie Chase, parents Joseph and Hazel Chase; father and mother-in-law, Kenneth and Mary Jane Parker; and siblings Elsie Chase, Joseph Chase. Jr., and Thomas Henry Chase.
