Harry David Choate--son, father, brother, sinner reborn to saint--was a good man who loved his God first, then his family, and himself last. He passed from this life into eternity on July 23, 2021, at 4:05 p.m., surrounded by members of his loving family.

He was preceded in death by his infant sister, Odessa Mae Choate; his father and mother, Feryl D. Choate and Thelma J. (Ruddick) Choate; his wife, Wanda S. (Andres) Choate, and his daughter-in-law, Twyla (Lozano) Choate.

Harry is survived by his children: David R. Choate; Pamela S. (Choate) Behling; and Gwendolyn A. (Choate) Kamerer; plus four grandchildren: Shad J. Rikard; Brittany L. Rikard; Lindsey N. (Behling) Curry; and Afton B. (Behling) Myers. There are seven great-grandchildren.

Because of Harry and Wanda's tremendous love for God and their church family, Harry leaves several spiritual children who were encouraged to grow by their friendship centered around God's Word.

In addition, a sizable group of virtual waifs--students with nowhere to go and nowhere to be loved, plus other students who had homes but greatly preferred the Choate house--these joined many other of the Choate kids' friends who found themselves blessed and encouraged by their association with the couple they all know to this day as "Mom and Dad Choate."

Harry began his working career as a heavy equipment operator for his dad's Springfield business, F. D. Choate Construction. The company was sold in 1958, and all the family moved to the Pleasant Hope, Missouri, area--to property historically belonging to Choate ancestors. Harry and his dad set up a dairy farm, which Harry maintained for nearly four decades, before returning to Springfield at retirement.

Services will be held at a later date.