If ever there was a brave little warrior, filled with love, truth, and a way of simply changing the hearts of all with his quick wit and vibrant smile, Chase Holt was the man! Wherever he went and whenever people, even complete strangers came to know him, they were forever changed by the heart of Chase Holt. So young in life and spirit, yet Chase was filled with a zest for life, brought to show unparalleled endurance, and most importantly, love.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007, marked an especially blessed day when the birth of Chase Michael Holt would come to brighten the lives of many. The son of Christopher and Megan (Tempel) Holt, young Chase was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana and was raised in the small, close knit village of Payne, Ohio where his family made their home.
As the oldest, Chase later welcomed his two younger brothers, Hayden and Carson. He attended Payne Elementary School and was currently in the fourth grade at Divine Mercy Catholic School, also in Payne. During his childhood, Chase loved playing baseball, golf and he also enjoyed watching the Fort Wayne Komet’s hockey team. Chase loved to draw, and particularly loved WWE wrestling, a passion he would come to know in an upfront and personal way.
Life as Chase knew it was forever changed just following his sixth birthday. While playing ball in the “Playing Ball for Those That Can’t” marathon, Chase’s left arm suddenly stopped working. It was soon discovered he had tumors in his arm and spine and this revelation began what would become a four year struggle with cancer treatments and surgeries. Initially diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type II, the disease later progressed into malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, a form of sarcoma cancer.
Initially, the outlook for Chase was not good. However, after watching a WWE match and with much persistence, Chase asked his dad if he could meet the wrestlers. Although it took several attempts and much prodding on the part of his father, the WWE association thankfully agreed to meet Chase. From this point on, Chase’s entire attitude, outlook, and will was changed. Chase soon had the honor of meeting all of the WWE wrestlers and owners of the company, and was even able to spend time in Florida with Natalya Neidhart and her husband Tyson Kidd. Even though these events became a life changing experience, in many respects, for Chase, it quickly became apparent that he was becoming an inspiration in the lives of these special people, and his heroes. Chase also made a special impact on the hearts of some of his favorite nurses throughout his illness. He simply had an infectious personality that caused everyone he met to love and adore him.
In addition, it was through social media that Chase had the opportunity to meet the cast of the TV show, Chrisley Knows Best. In fact, he even went on a “date” with Savannah Chrisley and Chase’s family joked it was the reason she broke up with her boyfriend. Through each of these special encounters, strong friendships were formed with Chase and his family for which they will always be grateful. Yet this was not Chase’s first experience with a “girlfriend”. One day while on the bus on his way to Edgerton Wesleyan Church Daycare, Chase was sitting next to his girlfriend, and she soon fell asleep. Typical of Chase’s quick witted nature, he simply went and sat down with his girlfriend’s twin sister who was also on the bus and not fast asleep!
Despite the effects of his illness, Chase learned to play baseball one handed! His parents encouraged him to experience all he could as they proudly stood by him. His brother, Hayden loved it when Chase would ride his bike and pull Hayden on his rollerblades while dressed as Batman.
Chase loved and adored his little brother, Carson and being a part of each of his “firsts” in life. Although Chase had disagreements with his brothers as brothers often do, he loved them just the same and they too looked up to their big brother, Chase. He also had a deep love for his for his kitty, Skittles.
Chase absolutely loved amusement parks and water parks. He truly savored the biggest vacation of his life when he and his family traveled to Walt Disney World in Florida through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Most recently, as a last request, Chase’s desire was to return to the beaches of Florida. Chase counted the color orange as his all-time favorite and he loved Christmastime with his seven Elves on the Shelf.
A smart boy who was always giving, especially to other children in need, Chase was a prankster who loved to scare people, especially his mom! Through his fierce will and brave soul, Chase inspired many along life’s way which will never be forgotten. He had a way all his own of winning hearts and making a difference, even in his young life. For these things and so much more, Chase will be remembered lovingly and fondly as he is deeply missed.
At 6:43 AM on Sunday, May 7, 2017, heaven gained the bravest angel just as the morning sun was rising through the windows of the Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center. Chase Michael Holt, age 10, will be sadly and dearly missed by his mom and dad, Megan and Christopher; brothers, Hayden and Carson; grandparents, Steve and Linda Holt, Jeff and Sheila Tempel; great-grandmother, Marlene Tempel; aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and the many, longtime followers on his Facebook page, Chance For Chase.
A celebration of Chase’s life was held Saturday, May 13, 2017, 7:30 PM at Payne Elementary School, 501 W. Townline Street, Payne, Ohio 45880. Friends visited with his family prior to his service for viewing from 2-7 PM at the school. Chase was laid to rest at Wiltsie Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Wrestling for Warriors, 428 S. Laura Street, Payne, Ohio 45880 www.wrestlingforwarriors.com, a charity begun by Chase and his family to help other kids in need. To share a favorite memory or photo of Chase, to sign his online guest book and to send condolences, please visit www.dooleyfuneralhome.com.
