Douglas W. Choate

Douglas W. Choate, 72, of Stevensville, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, July 31, 2008 at his home. A Celebration of Life Eternal will be held at 11:30 A.M. Tuesday at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Rev. Gerald Schroer officiating. Cremation will follow the service. Friends may call beginning at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Stevensville or Animal Aid. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Doug was born October 12, 1935 in Kalamazoo to Forrest L. & Edith (Marsh) Choate. He graduated in 1953 from Lakeview High School in Battle Creek, where he played tackle on the 1952 Class B State Championship football team. He went on to attend the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Doug served his country in the Michigan Air National Guard from 1958 to 1965. He completed his apprenticeship in 1965, and worked in the building trades as a Journeyman Pipefitter through membership in the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 335 in Battle Creek, until health reasons forced him to retire in 1992. On April 24, 1987, Doug married the former Joanne Schulz in Battle Creek. Doug was an avid U of M Football fan, enjoyed camping, hunting, Civil War History, traveling for his job, volunteering for Discover Stevensville Festival, and eating breakfast at Bert’s. Doug is survived by his wife Joanne; two daughters-Lisa (James) McGovern of Seguin, TX, Amie Choate of Battle Creek; five grandchildren; two brothers-Kent (Mary Jane) Choate of Battle Creek, Dennis (Rose) Choate of Clinton Twp., MI; and many nephews & nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents. Doug was an uncomplicated man who was very proud of the accomplishments of his children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces. He is in his heavenly home with loved ones who went before him, and he will be sorely missed by those he left behind.