Mack Chase, a 'true legend and pioneer' in New Mexico's oil and gas industry, dies at 92
Mack Chase, an icon of New Mexico’s oil and gas industry and renowned philanthropist in his hometown Artesia, died last week at 92.
His death sparked mourning from throughout the region and state, and within the industry for which Chase was a figurehead for most of his life.
He was born in April 29, 1931, the fourth of eight siblings, and raised in Artesia, an oil town known as one of the main cities in southeast New Mexico’s Permian Basin region.
Today, decades after Chase entered the industry, the Permian in New Mexico and West Texas is the busiest oilfield in the country producing almost half of the nation’s total output.
Drive by the profits of multiple companies Chase ran through his life, most recently including Mack Energy Corporation, he was listed as the richest man in New Mexico at one time with an estimated fortune of $700 million, according to Forbes.
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But it all started when Chase was 14 and he got in the industry working on a pulling unit, according to a timeline provided by Mack Energy.
He continued that work upon graduating from high school in 1950 at the operator Nash, Winfor and Brown, and then serving in the U.S. Army as a mechanic from 1951 to 1953.
Upon returning home that year, he married his wife Marilyn.
Chase started Chase Well Service between 1954 and 1956, working with his brother George Chase from 1960 to 1968.
That year, he started Mack Chase Inc., operating 18-21 drilling rigs, then formed oil and gas production company Marbob Energy Corporation with John R. Gray in 1979.
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Mack Energy was formed in 1990, and Chase formed Deer Horn Aviation, a charter air service out of Midland, Texas, in 1996.
Mack Energy expanded to offices in Midland and Fort Worth, Texas from 2000 to 2002.
The company was sold to Concho Resources in 2006, and Chase founded Silver Oak Drilling that year, followed by Par Five Energy Services in 2010.
He was inducted into the Petroleum Hall of Fame the next year, also founding Elite Well Service in 2011 along with LCH Well Servicing and Bullseye Construction in 2012.
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Chase Energy Services was found in 2017, the same year Chase was named the 2016 Top Hand by the Permian Basin Petroleum Association.
He was also given a Lifetime Achievement awards by the Artesia Chamber of Commerce and Public Schools, along with the New Mexico Public Education Lifetime Achievement Award and an Honoree Doctorate Degree from the University of New Mexico.
Throughout his more than half a century in oil and gas, Chase became a “legend” in the industry, said Joe Vigil, spokesman for the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association.
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Vigil also pointed to Chase’s legacy as a philanthropist, offering scholarships to many Artesia High School students to attend college through the years.
Along with his wife, Chase started the Chase Foundation in 2006, funding scholarships for 2,000 students during its lifetime.
“It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Mack Chase, a true legend and pioneer of the oil and gas industry here in New Mexico,” Vigil said. “Mr. Chase was not only known for his remarkable business acumen, but also for his generous heart when it came to his philanthropic work in our communities.”
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Chase was instrumental in stimulating the economies of Artesia and Carlsbad in southeast New Mexico, Vigil said, communities today leading in oil production nationwide and providing record-breaking revenue to the state.
“Mr. Chase’s contributions to New Mexico’s oil and gas industry have left an indelible mark on our industry,” Vigil said. "His dedication, innovation and commitment to excellence have been an inspiration to many. His perseverance truly transformed Artesia, Eddy County, and ultimately the state.”
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway said Chase was a leader in oil and gas and public service, but also other industries in the region like pecan farming.
“Mack defined the role of a businessman genuinely invested in community and philanthropy. When it comes to giving, nobody could compete with Mack,” Janway said. “He was a legend in New Mexico's oil and gas history in so many different ways, including pecan farming and other business ventures. He was an outstanding individual and a true gentleman.”
Steven Pearce, chair of the New Mexico Republican Party, a frequent supporter of oil and gas, said that Chase supported Republican candidates through donations throughout the years.
“Mack Chase was a leader in New Mexico oil and gas, remaining in Artesia long after launching his successful business and was a strong supporter of Republicans during his lifetime,” Pearce said in a statement issued the day of Chase’s death.
“Mack's life and work went beyond oil and gas, and he was known for his generosity and love of helping others.”
That sentiment was shared by southeast New Mexico’s legislators in the New Mexico House of Representatives, with Reps. Cathrynn Brown (R-55), Jim Townsend (R-54) and Jimmy Mason (R-66) penning a joint statement on Monday.
“It is with deepest condolences that we mourn the passing of Mack Chase,” read the statement. “We express our condolences to the Chase family, Mack Energy employees, and the community who will no doubt feel the loss of Mack, who championed our communities and oil and gas industry in New Mexico.”
Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, achedden@currentargus.com or @AdrianHedden on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Mack Chase, a 'legend' in New Mexico oil and gas, dies at 92
