Written by Douglas R. Chace

Brian Keith Chace was born on April 20th, 1945 to Clive and Donafae Chace.  He grew up in Kansas City, Kansas and spent most of his life in the Kansas City area.  As a child, he was a rambunctious maker of mischief.  Never one to step down from a challenge, he found adventure at every turn.  As a graduate of Rosedale High School, Brian went on to tackle life head-on by getting his bachelor's degree from Emporia State Teachers' College.  During this time, he met the love of his life, Barbara Jean Reed.  The two were married on September 3rd, 1967 and remained married for life.  Brian and Barbara were blessed with four children, Jeffrey Brian, Douglas Reed, Sharon Nicole, and Lauren Dawn. 

Though he would normally be considered exempt due to his status as a teacher and a new father, Brian was drafted by the Army to go to Vietnam.  The day before he was to report to the Army, he approached an Air Force recruiter and shipped off to basic training in Lackland, AFB shortly after.  Brian excelled at everything he did and soon found himself in Officer Training School followed by pilot’s training.  He spent one year in Vietnam flying a small spotter aircraft in support of ground troops.  For his bravery, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and multiple Air Medals.  Upon his return, he went through more training to fly the B-52 Stratofortress.  He went from flying the smallest plane in the Air Force inventory to one of the biggest.  While in Vietnam, Brian submitted the necessary paperwork to leave the Air Force – what would turn out to be the biggest regret he had in life.

After his time in the military, Brian and Barbara moved back to the Kansas City area where he began work for a massive hospital supply company.  He quickly rose through the ranks and found himself as the “Western Region Sales Director.”  This meant his territory stretched from the Mississippi River to Hawaii.  Though business travel was a part of his life, he still found ways to be in attendance at his children’s soccer games, music recitals, church performances, Christmas, and birthdays.

His life led him all over the globe both as a member of the United States Air Force and traveling to see friends and family with his lovely wife, Barbara.  Family was the absolute cornerstone of his life.

One only had to spend a short time with Brian before he revealed, “did you know I have 21 grandkids?”  He was a loving husband, a devoted father, but he loved the title of “Papa” in a way many may never comprehend.  He completely adored being a grandfather.  Pictures, letters, and artwork from his grandchildren were present in every room of his home – and of his heart.

Brian was a huge fan of almost everything “KC!”  He had dozens of hats, shirts, gloves, jackets, socks, and anything else he could get his hands on that represented his beloved Royals, Chiefs, and (of course) Jayhawks.  In fact, it was the night that his beloved Jayhawks won the national championship in basketball that he folded his hands across his chest, fell asleep, and went to be with his cherished bride.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, both of his sisters, and his treasured wife.

He is survived by his brothers, all 4 of his children, and his 21 grandchildren.

Rest easy in the arms of God, Daddy.