Dates
Patrick “Chase” McPhaul, also known as “Prep” to many, of Big Lake, went to the arms of Jesus February 26, 2026, at the age of 42. He was born on June 17, 1983, in Colorado City, TX, to Rick and Tracey (Gassiot) McPhaul of Big Lake, TX.
Chase’s siblings include a brother, Calen McPhaul, and sister Callie (McPhaul) McNeese who were blessed to have him as an older brother to look up to. He started his early years in Colorado City, where he enjoyed golf, basketball, and his favorite being baseball. He had many friends and family there, and those friends he still held close for all of these years. At 8 years old he and his family moved to Big Lake. Here he kept on with his love for golf and baseball, but this is also where his love for sheep began. He won many awards through 4H with his best being his big Houston win. He made a great group of friends who to this day became more like family to him. Chase graduated from Reagan County High School in 2001.
He went on to pursue his career in Agriculture, starting out at Howard College, in Big Spring. He was on the livestock judging team there and transferred to Texas Tech to finish his bachelor's degree in Ag Leadership. He was also on the meat judging team at Texas Tech. After graduating he received his master's from Texas A&M Kingsville and began his career as the Crockett County 4H agent. He enjoyed his time and the people he met in Ozona but got back to his Big Lake roots as the Reagan County 4H agent where he has worked ever since. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Big Lake. He was a big part of the community and earned the Horizon award from the Chamber of Commerce.
Chase started dating the love of his life, Lauren (Tarvin) McPhaul, and they married in a beautiful ceremony at her parent's ranch on December 27, 2008. They have two amazing kids together, Raider and Ramsey McPhaul. He loved his family with everything he had and worked hard for them. He was a great daddy; he pushed Raider to always be the best he could be and always knew how much potential he had in all he loved. His Ramsey had him wrapped around her finger, he loved his girl!
One of his favorite things in life was the stock show world. He was on the stock show committee for the Sandhills Stock Show and also an official for the Collegiate Livestock Contest in San Antonio. He judged in many different towns and states. He loved having the mic in his hand to give his reasons for animals. Anyone that knew Chase knew that they could count on him for help with their animals. To sit back and watch the amount of people that went up to him at stock shows, to get advice on their animals, was so neat to see. Chase loved a good finewool. He enjoyed picking sheep out for his son, his county kids, his family, friends, or anyone that wanted his help. His love for sheep moved into him and his best friend, Sam Silvers, raising sheep and taking over Maddog Sheep Company.
When he was young, he loved to stand up on the fireplace and sing George Strait's “All My Exes Live in Texas,” with his cowboy hat on. He loved his rocking horse so much that he would rock himself to sleep on it. Chase was known for how he dressed. Since he was little, he always had to wear the nicest clothes, which gave him the nickname “Prep.” His love for Texas Tech ran strong. Chase had a deep love for many. He could light up any room he walked in with his smile and personality. He had a way of being the entertainment without even trying to be through his stories, jokes, sayings, and hand motions. He spent his extra time with family, friends, at the barn, at the farm, or on the golf course. He loved a good money match at the golf course and made some forever friends through golf.
Chase is survived by his loving wife and kids, Lauren, Raider, and Ramsey McPhaul. His parents, Rick and Tracey McPhaul. His siblings Calen and wife Brianna McPhaul, Callie and husband Garrett McNeese. His nieces and nephews Baylor, Kynlee, Witten, Oaklen, Willa Grace, Colsen, Berkley, and Tenley. His grandmother Kay Fite. Father and Mother in-law Keith and Jeanine Tarvin, sister-in-law Ashley and husband David Allison. Aunts and Uncles Julie and husband Ronnie Rogers, Randy and wife Robbie McPhaul, Sherry Gassiot, Scott and wife Penny Gassiot. He is also survived by many cousins and friends that were family to him. He is preceded in death by his great grandparents, Daddad, and Granny.
We will celebrate the wonderful life that Chase lived on Thursday, March 5th. Services will be at 10am, at the Reagan County Community Building followed by burial at Glen Rest Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be from 5-7pm on Wednesday March 4th at the First Baptist Church in Big Lake.
Pall Bearers: Calen McPhaul, Sam Silvers, Cody Strube, Logan Newsom, Rusty Adams, Jed Hruska, Stan Neff, Ryan Bean
Honorary Pall Bearers: Casey Davidson, Dane Lee, Richard Long, Lonnie Horwood, Mickey Davidson, Fred Chandler, Billy Reagor, Will M Black, Ross Stultz, Raymond Quigg
In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the Williams Syndrome Association or the Reagan County Fair Association (PO Box 945, Big Lake, TX 76932).
Thank you to Harper Funeral Home for the help and care in all of the planning.
On behalf of the family, we would like to thank everyone for the outpour of love for Chase and our family. We knew he was special and touched lives but seeing the extent has been amazing and comforting to see. We would like to give a special thank you to the San Antonio Stock Show community. Your generosity has touched our hearts in so many ways.
There will be a meal provided at the Reagan County Community Building following the burial for anyone who would like to join the family.