Charles Vernon Chance Sr.

Charles Vernon Chance Sr., age 87, passed away on Thursday, March 16th surrounded by family. He was a very caring and giving man with a quick sense of humor. Vernon, as he went by, was born in October of 1929 in Menno, South Dakota, to Harry and Dena Chance; he was the ninth of ten children. In 1951, he was drafted by the Marine Corps, and was stationed at Point Mugu Air Missile Test Center, just north of Los Angeles, where he had top secret clearance during the Korean War. While there, he met his future wife, LaReva Purdue, at the Marine Corps Ball, and they were married in January of 1954. The newlyweds moved to Menno, SD for four years before returning to California, and eventually to the Sacramento area, where he retired as a self-employed general contractor. After retirement, he and LaReva traveled the Americas and Europe. He loved sports, including his Raiders and Kings, but his passion was baseball. Rarely, did he miss watching, or listening to, his beloved A’s. He also coached in the Whitney Little League for several years including the “Bees”, “White Sox”, and “Astros”. Later in life, he took up and enjoyed golfing, as well as our many family gatherings. He was always ready for a party with family and friends. Vernon was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Dena, brothers’ Simon, Harold, Oliver & Bill and sisters’ Selma, Beulah & Ruth. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, LaReva, his only child, Vern Jr. (Lori) of Carmichael, sisters Mildred Guthmiller and Norma Fair (Walter) of Menno, numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cousins. A celebration of his life will be held on April 1st at 2:30pm at Sierra View Chapel located at 6201 Fair Oaks Blvd. in Carmichael.