Richard S. “Dick” Choate, 85, of Seymour, formerly of Springfield, left this life to meet our Lord, Savior and Creator on June 9, 2013. Dick was born to Alice and William Choate on December 27, 1927 in Springfield.

He married Helen Schneider on October 23, 1950 in Harrison, Arkansas. Dick was a member of Faith Bible Baptist Church and was inducted into the Ozarks Area Racers Hall of Fame in 2002. Dick spent many years racing at the area raceways, and was the first president of the Ozarks Drivers Racers Association.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Louise Choate; his parents, William Sherman and Lillie Alice Choate; one brother, Buddy Choate; three sisters, Iva Wilkinson, Rachel Burough, and Maxine Johnson. He is survived by seven children, Richard Sherman Choate, Jr. and wife Kerry of Seymour, Jerry Choate and wife Lisa of Republic, Mary McCleary and husband Jim of Mountain Grove, Steve Choate and wife Nancy of Springfield, Kelly Choate and wife Carol of Clever, Norman Choate of Urbana, and Rob Choate and wife Nancy of Seymour; twenty-seven grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of family and friends.

Graveside services will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 13, 2013, in Eastlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12, 2013, in Greenlawn Funeral Home North. Memorial contributions are suggested to Children’s Miracle Network.