John Wesley Choate, 53, passed away suddenly on February 10, 2016, from a tragic accident that has left his family and friends stunned and holding on to the memories that are so near and dear to their hearts.
Those closest to him, knew him as Johnny, and loved his caring and generous heart. If he crossed the path of a person down and out, he would go back with groceries, bedding or whatever he thought they needed. Any stray dog or cat that found him, hit the jackpot because he would take them in and spoil them as his own. Johnny’s greatest past-time was providing care for his schnauzer, Digger, all his special needs cats and dogs, his Boer goats, and chickens. He stayed busy keeping them healthy and making sure they all got a long with one another. Johnny had a strong work ethic on the job but was happiest on the home-front scheming of what project he could complete next. He relished being outdoors as long as there was light in the day and was constantly on the move to stay young. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, chopping wood, and gardening.
Johnny was preceded in death by his beloved grandfather, Willie Francis “WF” Choate, his legacy to uphold. Johnny is survived by the love of his life, wife Karen (Fouraker); his dearly loved parents John and Sigrid Choate; his grandmother Lillian Bernice Choate; grandmother Elsa Paula Geltz; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and a circle of family and friends.
Johnny adored the bond he and Karen shared and yearned to please her endlessly. He was always thinking ahead and made sure Karen knew he loved her and was thinking of her in his last words.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, February 15, 2016 at 10:00 am, Greenlawn North. A private graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2016 in Brighton Cemetery. Online condolences may be made to www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com. Memorial donations may be made payable to: C.A.R.E. Animal Rescue, PO Box 215, Aurora MO 65605.