Donald Choate

Donald (Don) R. Choate, born on February 26, 1938, entered into eternal rest on March 17, 2025, after a life filled with love, family, and cherished memories. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, known for his kindness and unwavering support to all who knew him. A Graveside Service to honor Don's memory will be held on March 20, 2025, at 1:30 PM, at Hillcrest Garden of Memory in Hillsboro, Texas. This gathering will provide an opportunity for friends and family to come together in remembrance of a remarkable man whose spirit will forever remain in their hearts.

Donald Ray Choate was born in a small clapboard house a few miles north of Rio Vista, Texas, February 26,1938. He already had an older brother named Ben. As Don grew older he and his brother, as we all know as young boys will do, manage to find plenty of things to 'explore' - and many times got into things they were not to get into. As a young boy, the family moved several times in Texas. Soon the two brothers were joined by twins, Betty and Bob. They lived near a small stream close to Morgan Texas. The boys and their cousins spent many hours 'exploring' the stream. I am sure there are many tall tales to be told about the stream adventures.

Don's family were farmers. As soon as Don and his brothers were old enough they helped on the farm. This led to his love of farming and taking care of livestock. One tale Don loved to tell was hauling hay. In the hay patch, his dad and Ben would throw the hay bales up on the truck while Don would steer the truck and Bob would work the brake and accelerator!!!!

Don graduated from Morgan Texas, the family then moved closer to Lubbock. He enrolled in Texas Tech University emphasizing Agriculture with the idea of teaching vocational agriculture. There he met his wife-to-be Barbara Neve. Barbara was from that area and also attended Texas Tech. Soon they were married December 22,1961. Barbara always joked that she should not have gotten married that close to Christmas. Shortly after that, they moved to Kingsville Texas where Don enrolled in Kingsville A&I University. He graduated with a BS in agriculture. Then Troy was born. Don was finally teaching science and agriculture.

Don enjoyed fishing and travel. As the years passed, they had a daughter, Belinda. As a family of four, they continued to travel. One camping trip, they were staying in a tent. A storm came rolling in. Both Troy and Belinda had to sit on coolers in the corner of the tent so it would not blow away.

Don was able to buy a farm where he raised cattle in the Aquilla area. Don and Barbara lived there for almost 50 years. Raising his own children and teaching them how to farm.

Soon the grandchildren came along. One granddaughter, Hali and three grandsons, Tyler, Dustin and Kyle. Don was always very excited to help with the livestock showing and watching them play many sports. Don and Barbara put many miles on their cars chasing the grandkids all over the state of Texas and Oklahoma.

As Don aged, he finally had to sell the farm that he dearly loved, and move closer to their son, in Whitney. Don was always a good steward of the land and was never more happy as when a family member or one of his students were able to perform outstanding things. He was so proud and supported his own children and grandchildren in whatever they did.

Don is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara Choate, who stood by his side throughout their years together. He was a proud father to his children, Troy Choate and his wife Stacy, and Belinda Choate Carter and her husband Kelly Bob. His legacy also lives on through his grandchildren, including Hali Choate, who brought him immense joy, and her fiancé, Kevin, Tyler Choate, along with his wife Brittany, Dustin Carter and his wife Laura, and Kyle Carter and his wife Shelby, as well as his six precious great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William "Bill" Choate and Janey Faye Richardson, who nurtured him with love and guidance throughout his formative years. Don was also predeceased by his sister, Betty Winton, and his brothers, Ben and Bob Choate, with whom he shared many cherished moments.

Don's life was a testament to the values of love, family, and friendship, and his legacy will continue to inspire those he leaves behind. May he rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to me made to Whitney or Aquilla High School FFA programs.