Barry Kevin Chase, Sr.

Barry Kevin Chase, Sr., 66, of Argenta, Illinois, passed away Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 9:46 a.m. at Decatur Memorial Hospital in Decatur, Illinois, on what was also his 66th birthday.
Barry was born October 4, 1960, at 4:16 a.m. at Normandy Osteopathic Hospital in Normandy, Missouri (St. Louis County), to Oliver “Wendell” Chase and Bobbie Jean (Woodard) Chase.
In a remarkable and bittersweet coincidence, Barry passed away on his birthday, just as his mother, Bobbie Jean, and his grandson, Kailen, had before him.
With family roots in Mississippi, Barry spent much of his childhood in the small community of Argenta, Illinois, where he graduated from Argenta-Oreana High School with the Class of 1978. He went on to attend Richland Community College for a couple of years before venturing out on his own and finding his place in the skilled trades.
A pipefitter by trade and, by all accounts, one heck of a welder, Barry’s work took him across the country, including South Carolina, Florida, Texas, Kansas, and throughout northern and southern Illinois, just to name a few. From approximately 1993 to 1998, he made his home in the Blytheville/Gosnell, Arkansas area before eventually returning to Illinois. After years of traveling and living in different places, Barry spent approximately the last five years of his life back in Argenta, the little town where he grew up.
Barry lived life in the fast lane for many years, often keeping his family on their toes. In 2018, he began a new chapter when he gave his life to Christ. He faithfully attended Central Baptist Church in Decatur and was baptized by Pastor David Brown on December 16, 2018. In May 2023, Barry proudly documented inside his Bible that he had read it from beginning to end for the very first time, an accomplishment that meant a great deal to him.
Quiet by nature, stubborn as a mule, and just ornery enough to keep things interesting, Barry was a little bit of everything wrapped into one. He had a sense of humor that he himself probably appreciated more than anyone else. Whether you laughed at his jokes or simply shook your head, chances are he was already laughing at them himself. Barry had his own way of doing things, and convincing him otherwise was no easy task.
Barry is survived by his five children: Melissa Gaherty (Joe Haws) of Taylorville; Emily Chase of Lincoln; Hannah Chase of Decatur; Barry “Kevin” Chase Jr. (LeeAnn) of Decatur; and Alexander “Logan” Chase of Lawton, Oklahoma. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Alexzia, Tryniti, Micah, Mia, Adriana, Ava, Adalynn, Deliliah, and Oliver; and one great-grandson, Braylon.
Barry also leaves behind his close friend and brother in Christ, Alan Sample, who shared in Barry’s journey of faith and remained a loyal and cherished friend throughout his final years.
Barry was preceded in death by his father, Oliver “Wendell” Chase (1989); his mother, Bobbie Jean (Woodard) Chase (2013); his only brother, John Bradley Chase (2015); and his grandson, Kailen James Sanchez (August 2026).
A little ornery, a little redeemed, and unmistakably Barry. He lived life his own way, and while he may have tested a few people’s patience along the way, we’d like to think Jesus and his loved ones who passed before him welcomed him into Heaven with open arms and a little extra patience.
In one final act of generosity, Barry’s decision to be an organ donor gave two strangers a renewed chance at life. His kidneys were successfully transplanted into a gentleman in his 70s living in the Midwest and a woman in her 40s residing in the South. Though their names remain unknown, Barry’s legacy lives on through the lives he helped save.
Cremation rites have been accorded by Calvert & Wikoff Funeral Homes. Further arrangements will be announced at a later date.