PFC Chad Eric Bales (Metcalf), 20, of Coahoma, died on Thursday, April 3, 2003, while on active duty with the United States Marine Corps in Iraq. Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM Monday, April 14, 2003, at the First Baptist Church, Big Spring, with Elder David Machiavello, of the Philadelphia Primitive Baptist Church, Big Spring and Elder Jeff Harris of Georgia, officiating. Military graveside rites will be at 3:00 PM Tuesday at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.
     He was born on October 16, 1982 in Lubbock, Texas.
     Chad grew up in Coahoma and attended Coahoma Schools until his junior year when he attended Muleshoe High School. He returned to Coahoma for his senior year and graduated with the Class of 2001. He was active in FFA and loved showing livestock. He was a member of the football team and powerlifting team. Chad loved to hunt, farm and the outdoors.
     He was a member of Philadelphia Primitive Baptist Church. Chad joined the United States Marine Corps on March 18, 2002 after being denied twice due to injury. He was deployed to Kuwait City on January 18, 2003 and into the Iraqi Desert on February 7th. He was a dedicated and motivated Marine and loved God and Country enough to make the ultimate sacrifice.
     Survivors include his mother and step-father, Ginger and John Wayne Metcalf of Coahoma; his father and step-mother, Kem and Lori Bales of Muleshoe; two sisters, Ginni Metcalf of Coahoma and Bailey Bales of Muleshoe; two brothers, Joshua Metcalf of Coahoma and Tanner Bales of Muleshoe; his grandparents, Ike and Gail Wilcox and Doug and Anna Bales all of Muleshoe; his step grandparents, Helen Metcalf of Coahoma and Dick and Mary Richards of Mayhill, New Mexico; his great grandmother, Lela Clay of Big Spring and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Eunice Bales of Muleshoe.
     Pallbearers will be SSgt Frank Ramirez, SSgt Max Canales, SMSN Roy L. "Tuff" Metcalf, Jr., LCpl Arthur Reyes, SSgt Allen Lipson and MSgt Brett Strickland. Honorary pallbearers will be Coahoma Class of 2001, Commander and Chief President George W. Bush and the 1st Marine Expedition Unit/1st FSSG.
     The family suggests memorials to: Philadelphia Primitive Baptist Church, 201 E. 24th, Big Spring, Texas 79720.
     The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Sunday at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel.
     Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com