Lowell H. Choate

Lowell H. “Toe” Choate, son of Alvin Choate & Linnie (Underwood) Choate, was born Friday, October 27, 1916 in the Reynoldsburg Community in Johnson County Illinois. He departed this life Friday afternoon, April 1, 2005, at 12:40 PM at the Carrier Mills Nursing Home. At the time of his passing, Lowell had attained the age of 88 years 5 months & 5 days.

Lowell was united in marriage to Beulah Mae (Wall) on June 28, 1939 in Morganfield, Kentucky. She preceded him in death on April 23, 1995.

Survivors include: 2 Sons – Bill & Donna Choate of Ozark, Illinois and Bob & Linda Choate of West Paducah, Kentucky; 4 Grandchildren – Kristi & Tom Raben, Kara & Don Rash, Michael & Jillian Choate, and David Choate; 4 Great Grandchildren – Jared, Andrew, Kelsi, & Baylee. Lowell was anticipating the birth of a 5th Great Grandchild in August 2005. Lowell is also survived by several Nieces & Nephews.

In addition to his Parents & Wife, Lowell was preceded in death by a Grandson – Scott Eric Choate; 3 Brothers – Lester “Jack” Choate, Floyd Choate, & Don Choate; and a Sister – Pauline Reed.

Lowell was a U.S. Army combat engineer veteran, having served during World War II.

Lowell was employed, until his retirement in 1975, as an Operating Engineer. He was among the first in this region to operate a rubber-tired backhoe. Lowell was considered to be a skilled operator of this piece of heavy equipment. He was a 50+ year member of the International Union of Operating Engineers (I.U.O.E.) Local # 318.

Lowell was a member of Mt. Moriah General Baptist Church near Creal Springs, IL.

Lowell enjoyed repairing lawnmowers. He also enjoyed storytelling and had recorded for his family a number of stories relating experiences of his childhood, the Ozark community, and Mt. Moriah Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be held Monday morning, April 4, 2005, at 11 AM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Rev. Edward “Shorty” Alsip will officiate. Interment will be in the Robinson-Wise Cemetery, north of Ozark, IL. Friends may call from 5 PM – 8 PM Sunday at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna.