Chase McDonald
Chase Tanner McDonald, 39, passed away on April 29, 2026, at 2:12 a.m. at the Cleveland Clinic.
He was born on October 22, 1986, in Oxnard, California, raised and resided in Zanesville, Ohio.
Chase dedicated his life to serving others. His commitment began at just 17 years old when he volunteered with the Falls Township Fire Department. He went on to work as a firefighter and EMT/paramedic, served as a Watercraft Officer with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and later was a law enforcement officer, SWAT team member, firearms instructor, and detective with the Worthington Police Department. Chase was a member of Police & Fire Retirees of Ohio Inc. He was also a Federal Firearms License holder and the owner of his own firearms business, reflecting his independence and strong work ethic.
He was an avid hunter, gunsmith, and collected firearms. Chase also enjoyed spending time with his family.
Throughout his career and life, Chase demonstrated courage, commitment, and a deep sense of duty to his community. He will be remembered for his service, his strength, his faith in God, his patriotism, and the many lives he touched through his dedication to helping others.
Chase is survived by his wife, Traci McDonald; his daughter, Aisla McDonald; his stepsons: Kaleb (McKayla) Talbott and Kolton (Tairan) Talbott; his parents: Russ McDonald and Lisa (Tim) Cox; his mother-in-law, Joni (Gary) Wells; his sister, Season (Tyler) Grandstaff; his brother, Tanner (Tierra) McDonald; his grandmother, Florence Marshall; two nieces: Navy Grandstaff and Briella McDonald; and one nephew, Luke Grandstaff. He is also survived by his loyal service dog and best friend, Remington “Remy”.
He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Erwin “Mac” McDonald, Richard “Dick” Tanner, and his grandmother, Donna Tanner.
Chase will be deeply missed by his close aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to Save a Warrior, www.saveawarrior.org.
Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8PM Sunday, May 3, 2026, at THE SNOUFFER FUNERAL HOME, 1150 WEST MILITARY ROAD, ZANESVILLE, OHIO. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30AM, Monday, May 4, 2026, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 925 East Main Street, Zanesville, Ohio, with Father Stephen Ondrey as celebrant. Burial will follow in Zanesville Memorial Park.
To send a note of condolence to the family visit www.snoufferfuneralhome.com, find us on facebook, or call our locally owned caring staff at 740-450-8000.
