On Sunday, November 7, 2021, Richard Choate, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and patriot made his final move and went home to be with Jesus.
Richard was born July 12, 1942, in Lake Charles, La. to Bruce and Dalsie (Palmer) Choate. He received his speech and drama degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 1966 and entered the United States Marine Corps in that same year. On March 4, 1967, he married Barbara Nicholson in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Richard served in the USMC for more than 20 years including a 13-month tour in Vietnam in 1968-1969.
Richard and Barbara served our country as a military family and children Rich and Shawna saw many new schools, states, and countries. In 1987, Richard retired as a Major from the Marine Corps and the family moved to Barbara’s hometown in New Mexico. He and Barbara opened a small real estate office and for many years sold property. He enjoyed the beautiful outdoors of that great state and the love of surrounding family.
In 2010, Richard and Barbara gave in to wander and an itch to move once again and headed back to Richard’s roots and landed in Caney, Okla. In full retirement, Richard loved his home and spent many hours on building projects, blazing new four-wheeler trails and spending time with his grandkids and great grandkids.
His love for his country, his home, his family, his friends and his dogs were unsurpassed, and he was known for his quick smile, his loyalty, sense of humor and his compassion for life.
Richard was preceded in death by his mother, Dalsie, his father, Bruce, and two nephews, Christopher (Kit) Spangler and Luke Marriage and his sister-in-law, Maxine Nicholson.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Barbara; two children, Richard Choate and Shawna Rowland; his sister, Mary Choate; five grandchildren: Alex Rowland, Sydney Rowland, Kasie Choate, Nic Choate, Tyler Heckler and two great-grandchildren, Willow Rowland and Xander Rowland.
A celebration of his life will be held Friday, Nov. 12, at Victory Life Church, 3412 West University Blvd. in Durant, Okla. at 2 p.m., followed by a full military farewell at Highland Cemetery in Durant. Flowers and donations may be sent to Victory Life Church.
Services are under the direction of Holmes~Coffey~Murray Funeral Home in Durant, Okla.