Ben Howard Chance Sr.

Ben Howard Chance Sr., age 76, passed away on October 18, 2025 in Midland, TX. He was born on November 17, 1948 in Greenville, AL, to Henty Clay and Corrie Lucile (Boutwell) Chance.

Ben loved to watch football. He was a big fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the Alabama football teams and often flew their flags in front of his house. Ben also enjoyed cheering for the Boston Celtic basketball team. Ben spent much of his life in the Jal area. He graduated from Jal High School in the 60s and then spent over 40 years working for the New Mexico State Highway Department. Often, Ben could be found drinking coffee with his friends, and occasionally dancing. His primary mission in life was taking care of his grandson Evan. He will be dearly missed.

Those left to love and cherish his memories are his son: Ben Chance of Jal, NM; grandson Evan Dean Chance of Jal, NM; nephews: Scott Bratcher and wife Mindy and Darren Hester and wife Nichole and Niece Janice Hester.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Henry and Corrie Chance; son: Brit Dean Chance; brothers: Ralph Chance and Joe Chance; and sister: Wanda Martin.

Funeral Service will take place on 2:00 pm MST Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at the Jal Church of God officiated by John Earp. Burial will follow at the Jal Cemetery. Pallbearers are Johnny Mack Owen Jr, Jeff Owen, Gooser Armstrong. Danny Thompson, Rickey Mullins, and Luis Navarrette. Honorary pallbearers will include: Johnny Mack Owen Sr., Terry Savoie, Dalton Boyd, Perry Fulfer, Bernie Williams, and Wayne Webster.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements are entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor and condolences may be sent to the family online at www.fs-fp.com.